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asgoodasdead.
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July 8, 2014 at 8:24 pm #158736
supimeister
ProI can’t seem to find a thread on this, though it I think I recall us talking some about this. I found a recent one at the FOG and found some decent tips there. Anyone have good tips for working alone?
What is the best way to get a sheet of ply onto your sawhorses (insight here may save me from future scars and stitches haha)
John S
July 8, 2014 at 8:27 pm #158742find someone strong enough to lift a sheet of plywood.
NOTE to self: BUY work gloves and band aids.
July 8, 2014 at 8:35 pm #158752I feel like I can accomplish alot more by my self than supervising another person regardless of skill.
Number one tip….NEVER WASTE A TRIP up stairs or to the truck or up a ladder.
Number 2 get some of the brainless things out of the way early so you dont feel like there is still alot to do while fussy with the tougher parts. Why add stress
Working Pro since 1993
Tom M
July 8, 2014 at 8:47 pm #158772supimeister
Profind someone strong enough to lift a sheet of plywood.
NOTE to self: BUY work gloves and band aids.
Lol I am strong enough but it was riddled with nails – I had hammered them all pretty flat, but it was awkward to hold
John S
July 8, 2014 at 8:59 pm #158780I haven’t finished reading that thread but I’m going to saw #1 is to have a good radio… No sense letting the silence drive you crazy…
Shop Blog: http://ravenbarsrepair.tumblr.com/
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz498FKw9LF1awJsKIqhoxQJuly 8, 2014 at 9:04 pm #158783I don’t know how much it would it help you since it mainly deals with building but this is a great book for those that work alone:
http://www.amazon.com/Working-Alone-Tips-Techniques-Building/dp/1561585459I will second the “no wasted trip”. I stress this with my helper – there is always something that needs put away, thrown away, etc.
Do t be afraid to use tools to help, these make carrying sheet goods easy
http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-93-301-14-Inch-Yellow-Handle/dp/B00004UDN8/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1404871048&sr=8-12&keywords=Sheet+carryPlan everything – there is only one of you so that means that you have to unload all the tools and supplies, do all the work, do the clean up, and put all the tools and supplies away. If your plan your work day ahead you can eliminate unnecessary steps and wasted time.
Chad
A Working Pro since 1993
Member since 12/07/2013July 8, 2014 at 9:05 pm #158784July 8, 2014 at 9:13 pm #158787Sometimes just learning the right way to carry plywood will help.
Ron
A Working Pro since 1994!
Member since March 26, 2014.
July 8, 2014 at 9:21 pm #158791I pick up the plywood and set an edge on the saw horses. Then I drop it so it falls mostly on the saw horses. If the plywood and/or the sawhorse are undamaged I continue work. Otherwise I say bad words and start all over.
As far as working alone I alwasy try and keep my cell phone handy in case of accidents and emergencies.
Stay ultra organized. That helps if you are alone or in groups.
July 8, 2014 at 9:40 pm #158807Number one tip….NEVER WASTE A TRIP up stairs or to the truck or up a ladder.
Good advice no matter what you are doing.
and that women with the sheet of plywood could lay a woopn’ on some of the men here. Seriously, she’s in pretty good shape. But she is only 5′ nothing so that tells you that anyone can do it.
I also cut a lot of my rough lumber in the parking lot before I load it if I can.
Brad T
Self employed Pro since 2014!!July 9, 2014 at 5:28 am #158969All good tips so far.
Automotive Pro
Fayetteville, NCJuly 9, 2014 at 5:38 am #158973I feel like I can accomplish alot more by my self than supervising another person regardless of skill.
Number one tip….NEVER WASTE A TRIP up stairs or to the truck or up a ladder.
Number 2 get some of the brainless things out of the way early so you dont feel like there is still alot to do while fussy with the tougher parts. Why add stress
Never waste a trip is a good one!
July 9, 2014 at 5:48 am #158976Keep some 8d brights in your pouch: they are perfect for setting a string, holding up a board end, ect. Pull out nice and easy.
Plus the head fits the hole on the end of your tape nicely for getting an accurate long measure or for doing layout.
Plan your materials so that when you stack them you never have to move them to get to something underneath. Moving the pile sucks anytime, but even more alone.
July 9, 2014 at 6:04 am #158981Plan your materials so that when you stack them you never have to move them to get to something underneath. Moving the pile sucks anytime, but even more alone.
You got that right. If you don’t, what you need is always on the bottom.
Ron
A Working Pro since 1994!
Member since March 26, 2014.
July 9, 2014 at 8:01 am #159013Clamps can be your friend.
I work were there is no cel service. I let my wife know were I am and expected time home. So far so good.
Getting material delivered to a specific site can be well worth the upcharge and your back.July 9, 2014 at 8:49 am #159039Clamps can be your friend.
I work were there is no cel service. I let my wife know were I am and expected time home. So far so good.
Getting material delivered to a specific site can be well worth the upcharge and your back.+1 on clamps. Ratchet straps as well. I use ratchet straps to straighten things all the time.
I get most stuff delivered. My yard barely charges anything for delivery. It’s not worth my time to go to the yard for material unless it’s something small or if I’m already driving by.
July 9, 2014 at 8:59 am #159047supimeister
ProWould this help you?
http://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Gripper-44010-Panel-Carrier/dp/B0007TYCA8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1404871339&sr=8-3&keywords=gorilla+gripThe gorilla gripper is on my “to buy” list – I like it more than the other options you guys linked to… but I don’t usually deal with sheet goods riddled with nails haha :\ Nor am I moving a ton of sheets super often.
Good tips so far all!
Sometimes just learning the right way to carry plywood will help.
Thanks for the vid – her little leg trick was something I hadn’t thought of.
John S
July 9, 2014 at 9:15 am #159062Plan your materials so that when you stack them you never have to move them to get to something underneath. Moving the pile sucks anytime, but even more alone.
BINGO, how many times have I seen piles of materials and what was needed first was at the bottom. What a pain.
Automotive Pro
Fayetteville, NCOctober 10, 2014 at 11:18 am #200137Skillman
ProSometimes just learning the right way to carry plywood will help.
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Nice little video she carryed it well . Teaching someone how to carry something helps them not hurt themselves .
Keep some 8d brights in your pouch: they are perfect for setting a string, holding up a board end, ect. Pull out nice and easy.
Plus the head fits the hole on the end of your tape nicely for getting an accurate long measure or for doing layout.
Plan your materials so that when you stack them you never have to move them to get to something underneath. Moving the pile sucks anytime, but even more alone.
Very true on the stageing materials . Done once the first time .
Always willing to learn .
October 10, 2014 at 2:36 pm #200197My tip for working alone is always have your cell phone handy. If you get into deep at least you have an out. I won’t get on a ladder without my phone. Sure it won’t save you from being hurt but makes a world of difference if your laying on your broken back.
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