Levitating steel - 8-18-12

Holes have been drilled in the steel, and it is time for a trial run to fit them together.

The beams could be lifted by 3 or 4 people, but hydraulic jacks were used to press them into place,  We also had rachet straps in place to not only help in raising, but also for safety to prevent an "unforseen" descent.  Lenny is minding the jack in this photo.

One side is close.

But  there is a speed bump.  Most of the holes were aligned well, but a few had to be enlarged slightly.

Tom made clamps out of angle iron and thread stock to tighten up and hold the steel in place.  (I didn't know he was left handed!)  The tie rods have been threaded through the beam on the right and are being worked through the holes in the beam on the left.

It's looking good.  It just needs a little adjusting here and there.

Here is a closer look.  Don't forget you can enlarge photos by clicking on them.