2011 at the Hammond Barn

[RHClarke]

The weather has been way too hot and humid for outdoor work. Grant has been busy assembling/fabricating components for his wireless truck. Bob had been away on vacation, and I kept busy at work in air conditioned bliss.

Grant had the barn to himself on Saturday and formed the welcoming committee for Bob's return to reality. Sunday was a short day given the heat. I fiddled around with the Prototype's sliding roof mechanisms inside the barn. After a quick and gentle sandblasting, some cleaning, and a good measure of patience and WD40 the brass blocks on the actuating shaft rotated again for the first time in decades. The locking devices on the handles remain rust welded in place, so they were left to soak until next weekend.

Bob and I discussed the need for more permanant shelters for the trucks. The latest wind storm damaged three of our shelters. The Ted's truck shelter got displaced three feet east and two feet south. Its door panel got shredded and will need replacement. Bob's shelter displaced to the south, and my Prototype shelter's door zipper ripped.

The discussion centered on buying sea containers and how they would be arranged. If another container makes its way to Bob's place (I am looking for one in the local Ottawa area), we plan to park them parallel to each other and span the gap with enough steel to support a lean-to roof. That way we can park some trucks between the containers.

If you happen to know anyone who has containers for sale in the Ottawa area (at a reasonable price...), PM Bob or myself.

Photos:

1 - Hatch holding and opening devices
2 - Brass block showing set screw

[Stuart Fedak]

Originally Posted by RHClarke

The discussion centered on buying sea containers and how they would be arranged. If another container makes its way to Bob's place (I am looking for one in the local Ottawa area), we plan to park them parallel to each other and span the gap with enough steel to support a lean-to roof. That way we can park some trucks between the containers.

If you happen to know anyone who has containers for sale in the Ottawa area (at a reasonable price...), PM Bob or myself.

I think Coehn & Coehn have some containers for sale. I have seen some signs on Highway 15 near Perth as well...... What you need is a plan for a good gravel base and installation of a few sea containers all at once. My own preference would be a 20 or 40 foot unit. For a 40 foot unit I would put in a door part way to get better access to the rear. As has been mentioned before, the key is to get a good gravel base and get the bottom hinges out of the water/ice. Wire the unit for lights (hook up a generator when needed). Space them out and bridge over the open area for additional workshop/storage space. Good gravel between the units to drain out any water (install drainage weeping).

I picked up a gas driven compressor a few years ago. Good portable unit that drives all the main air tool that I use. Ideal for this sort of use, and in my yard. With a good gas electrical generator/gas compressor you can use air tools; plasma cutter; do welding and sand blasting........

I think there would be interest in the Ottawa area for a CMP condo. Depending on the number, get a business plan and get some commitment ($$$) for installation. I think some sort of a 5 or ten year lease arrangement would be appropriate.

Cheers!
Stuart

[maple_leaf_eh]

Look at the floor before you buy. There are some with solid steel floors, others have 2x6 hardwood boards. The wood ones are not really weatherproof because of humidity. The other thing to look at is the roof. The shipping companies condemn them when the salt air and chafing in the ship, rub pin holes in the steel skin. If the container spent too many cross ocean trips on the bottom of a stack of 10 loaded containers, the frame and corners are probably stress cracked.

(and if some MLU'er can make a good joke combining salt, chafing and steel skin, I'll tip my internet hat)

[Wpns 421]

I have been using sea containers for many years and the best place to find them is to purchase the heavy truck Trader. There is always someone selling them. I bought mine from a Toronto company but pick the containers up in Montreal. the average price for a 20ft container will go from $2200 to $2700, the 40 ft containers are cheaper. Also try and purchase a Hi-cube it is 11/2 ft higher.
The biggest thing is the shipping, to bring a container from Montreal was $800 for one 40 footer or 2 x 20 ft. If you have a 20 ft flat decker trailer get the container yourself, they 20 ft weight about 4500 lbs empty, it is well worth you while to rent a trailer and getting it yourself.
Also one critical thing you should check or when ordering is that the container not have any strong odors, over the years things spill and the container has a terrible smell inside. Once the smell gets inside it is very hard to remove.
I have 2 x footers and when I build my new garage they will be incorporated into the exterior walls and they will hold my spare parts.
Gilles