WELCOME TO RIVER DAVES PLACE

Semi - ghetto palapa build

DC-88

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 27, 2012
Messages
1,806
Reaction score
4,687
After being unable to find an easy way to get one of these damn things turnkey I ordered a 12" round, had it set when the mini ex was there, and ordered material for an octagon.... ImageUploadedByTapatalk1459729021.323577.jpg
Then after moving some shit I papered and snapped out my octagon in plan view ( from top down) and also in cross section( sliced from the side showing the pole width and "truss") ImageUploadedByTapatalk1459729252.722409.jpg
I cut the 3" truss members with a 12" mitre saw and did the long angles with a big foot ( larger skil saw) . I also scribed any ends with a skil saw where they would butt into anything round so the fit would be tighter ImageUploadedByTapatalk1459729448.602390.jpg
I attached the truss(rafter/ joist) together with 6" Simpson structural screws and tacked scraps to match the template and loaded em up on a trailer ImageUploadedByTapatalk1459729675.118806.jpg
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1459729716.955897.jpg
Then it was time to lay out and install which was a pain because those 12" poles aren't perfectly round . My math for the first course of the horizontal backing got off a little because the center was oblong but since it was rustic I just faked it in and kept going ImageUploadedByTapatalk1459729974.635633.jpg
Next I put on some angle brackets at the bottom chords, scribed the peak with a sawzall, and finished up the horizontal pieces ImageUploadedByTapatalk1459730121.921246.jpg ImageUploadedByTapatalk1459730155.784212.jpg
At this point I tried to get some thatch ( which I'd done 10" spacing for) but it was a lot of $$ and seemed hard to get so I lined up some Mex palms. These we cut with a skil saw and I went ahead and screwed them on with torx screws because two different friends told me to net it like they do in cabo so I figured I'd do it thick and hope it lasts-- ImageUploadedByTapatalk1459730411.062897.jpg ImageUploadedByTapatalk1459730440.429267.jpg
I'd guess we put like 450 pieces on and coming from someone who has done a lot of carpentry it was honestly sort of a pain in the ass. I had my HVAC guy cut me a little copper cap for the top ImageUploadedByTapatalk1459730618.934142.jpg ImageUploadedByTapatalk1459730632.057510.jpg ImageUploadedByTapatalk1459730660.104804.jpg
Then I netted it with basically a batting cage net which I know from experience will last a while ImageUploadedByTapatalk1459730726.738306.jpg ImageUploadedByTapatalk1459730750.817786.jpg ImageUploadedByTapatalk1459730763.673509.jpg
Since everything at the river blows away when you're out on the water I decided to make a prototype smaller one and set it down near the water so I got a 6" round and some tree stakes. This time I figured it'd better be a hexagon so the round will have room for all the "rafters" ImageUploadedByTapatalk1459731054.537520.jpg
Again the math for the length of the first outside course is easy but we'll see ImageUploadedByTapatalk1459731128.107206.jpg
Sealed the pole up with below grade waterproofer ImageUploadedByTapatalk1459731174.697366.jpg
Basically same deal only more ghetto using control joints in my driveway to hold the rounds and a scrap of Hardi trim to hold one in place. Cut 1x2 temp spacers and screwed on for transport and remove after install- ImageUploadedByTapatalk1459731242.483162.jpg
Regular skil saw w guard back works for these smaller rounds ( a non carpenter would want to clamp for safety and to keep square on plane w the plumb cut at the pole) ImageUploadedByTapatalk1459731377.065787.jpg
Hexagon outside lengths seem good and less margin for error compared to the bigger rounds ImageUploadedByTapatalk1459731462.225454.jpg ImageUploadedByTapatalk1459731477.349615.jpg
Got the pieces all cut and have left over palms so next time out I'll slam this thing together and post a finished pic if anybody cares to see it lol
 

mjc

Retired Neighbor
Joined
Jan 3, 2008
Messages
11,807
Reaction score
8,830
Looks good. I am going to try and use an old big satellite dish to make one some day.
 

BUDMAN

HAVASU BOUND
Joined
Jul 12, 2011
Messages
11,184
Reaction score
12,236
Ghetto my ass. That's as first class as any I've seen. Nice job👍
 

Hammer

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 17, 2010
Messages
21,927
Reaction score
12,846
Where is your place? That turned out great! Nice work[emoji1303]
 

DC-88

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 27, 2012
Messages
1,806
Reaction score
4,687
Looks good. I am going to try and use an old big satellite dish to make one some day.
That's actually a really good idea. They sell thatch caps that would probably fit or be close, and then you could net it and tie off underneath:thumbup:
 

DC-88

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 27, 2012
Messages
1,806
Reaction score
4,687
Where is your place? That turned out great! Nice work[emoji1303]
Thanks , it's North Needles area. Tons of these around, and I know a lot of good subs and tradespeople in the area but getting this done fell to me for some reason:rolleyes
 
Top