Completion of the main frame

Just about 18 months since I laid the foundations for the shed the main frame is now complete. Making the most of a glorious spring day today I fitted the last two pegs holding the rafter to the wall post at the eaves. I tapped all of the pegs a bit further in and cut the pegs protruding on the outside of the building flush ready to begin cladding the roof and walls. I trimmed the pegs on the internal faces to about 12 mm. There is still some work to do on the little extension but I am still waiting for the post supports before I can conclude this part of the frame.

The last peg (just visible on the left of the image)

Looking up at the roof frame

Looking up at the roof frame

Looking west towards the shed

Fitting rafters

A number of factors significantly reduced the work I could do on the shed between the end of December and end of March - not least the weather. However the rafters are now cut and in place on the roof. I still need to cut the rear rafters to length and finishing pegging along the eaves but this should be completed fairly soon (assuming the weather is dry).

I have purchased oak feather-edge boards (from Yandles) to clad the back and sides and will be collecting slates on Wednesday (from Independent Slate Supplies). I need to order plywood, waterproof membrane, insulation and battens and work can progress on cladding the frame.

Oak feather-edged boards

The first rafters fitted

Rafters fitted and cut to length

Arrival of timber for rafters

At last the timber for the rafters arrived today. Finished moving and stacking by 4.45pm. A really great Christmas present.

The next step

All the purlins are now pegged but there are still a few pegs to make to fit to the main frame.

I have arranged for the lean to post supports to be made by Dean Forge. The posts will be galvanised and fitted in concrete - the oak post will be drilled at the base and sit on the plate and spigot - see drawing.

Fixing Purlins

Over the past two days (allowing time for other things) I have managed to fix the purlins on one side of the roof with hexagonal pegs. These pegs can be difficult to cut to the correct size to ensure a tight fit but not too tight to damage the peg but, as with most things, practice helps.

The last mortice and tenon

The lean to frame is now complete - having cut the last mortice and tenon yesterday. I spent some time today preparing the ground to lay some concrete to form the base for the lean to. I have pegs to cut and fit whilst waiting for the oak rafters but it seems rather strange (and slightly unreal) to have finished the frame.

View from the "lean to" end

There is a lot more work to do to finish the shed so I won't be looking for other things to do just yet.

The vertical posts of the lean to are
temporarily supported

The Last Purlin

I managed to get the fourth purlin on to the roof frames exactly one week later! However I have started the "lean to" frame (storage for Barbara's bee keeping equipment) and have fitted two small braces to the rear purlins. I have just two more to fit. I was originally planning to use tanalised soft wood for the rafters but have now ordered some oak from http://www.anton-coaker.co.uk    

One of the roof braces fitted between the
two rear purlins