Repairs to the camper are ongoing – but I’m getting the better of it for sure! Some strategically placed long screws helped secure the structure and I went round tightening all the loose screws. I also came across some corrosion in the Alde central heating pipes – so I drained the glycol (mostly over me!) and made repairs. Making things difficult, the pipes are 7/8” diameter – an odd size that I struggled to find – then there are no couplers for that size… fortunately I found that ¾” Pex was a decent fit, so managed to cobble up several repairs.
I built a new foundation for the camper – which actually goes in the truck bed – but includes a strategically placed piece of angle attached to the front of the camper’s base. The angle sits right at the front of the base which really holds the camper in position front to back, while the tall sides keep the camper from moving sideways. I’m hoping this will at least significantly reduce damage caused by movement when off-road.
Meanwhile, my new workshop arrived on a truck and they had it installed and levelled in one morning.
Since then I’ve been getting it into a usable state – wiring, insulation, wall and ceiling covers and generally moving in. I even splashed out and bought a new table saw – a SawStop – one of those that if you put your finger in the blade it immediately stops and prevents serious injury. I figured this nice expensive saw would be a savings over the hospital costs when I manage to cut my finger off!!!
****** The day after I published this blog, I had a mishap… I incorrectly adjusted my mitre gauge on the saw and it connected with the blade. Instantly stopped and limited the damage to a tiny scratch in the Aluminum. Glad it wasnt a finger – but reassuring!
As to Abigail’s project, most of the bottom half of the built-ins are done – some painting and final assembly required. Tomorrow I start on the bookcases themselves – which I’m hoping will go more smoothly.
We also added new grass to the yard – with an irrigation system!
AND… I’m off sailing! An acquaintance with an Outbound 46 in the US Virgin Islands has family commitments that prevent him from sailing her back north to Newport – so he was looking for a captain to bring her back… my hand shot up and I got the job! I have two crew members linned up as well and we depart at the end of April on the first available weather window! Should take 9 – 12 days… Can’t wait!
After that… I’m raring to go!
