Thinking this might be relatable to a few folks out there that are looking to build some type of Storage shed and rather than just go to a catalog, pick one, have it delivered, and be done with it would challenge themselves to do just a bit more!
Let's start off by saying that in 25 years of using SOLIDWORKS I've never had a need to use Weldments! Weird right? Maybe not, most of my career has been around detailed machined parts, plastic and metal molded parts, surfacing and such. I did at one time want to use weldment for designing roll cages for my RC scale rock crawlers but just never got to it.
Now I have a reason! I really need a storage shed (doesn't every one?) and due to yard placement, delivery of a fully built one is not going to work. Not to mention, I'm not a carpenter or construction guy but do remember a few things from my architectural days in high school and helping build a few thing here and there. I think this post will be progressive one and I'll keep adding to it as I go.
Right now I'm in the learning, designing, and costing phase. I want to use the cut list features eventually but just getting started with Profiles for lumber and using the structural feature along with trim/extend.
I've had to go back multiple times and retrim, rotate, add, duplicate, etc. Each time though I'm learning what works and doesn't. Compound that with building techniques for sheds and it will be a journey. There is still a ton more work to do, things to fix, and construction jargon to remember/learn but I'm enjoying the process.
Has anyone else tackled something like this but didn't know how to at first? What was one thing you learned about Weldments (specifically in lumber) that you wish you knew before? Let me know!
Stay tuned I'll update with more screen captures and maybe a few Visualize renders....
Happy Building!
Update#1 - Selecting windows and doors is challenging for a budget. There are lots of resources but not a local "shed supply" center. I don't need house grade windows and new are both expensive and delivery issues. Finding used is not all that easy either. Tomorrow the "Restore" store is open and I'll be calling. The big double door might just be built instead of bought....more research and time. Need to double up my top plates and do a few more skeleton tweaks. I have access to two free windows but they are not the same sizes....ugh. The process continues....
Update 2 - I keep playing with different methods to double up on certain lumber like the headers over the doors or the caps along the tops of the walls which I don't have in the image above. It seems like adding extra sketch lines would make structure selection easier but the sketch more convoluted? Copy bodies is what I've been using. The trim/extend feature only works on structure bodies but luckily you can select faces too. Just like regular modeling...it's all in the planning! I'm going to build the double doors so I'll model up some hinges maybe and get there eventually. I'm not a carpenter so finding it challenging to figure out which direction to go on say using a ridge versus just a truss. Anyone ever model vinyl siding? Interesting profiles for that and do I put that on in the assembly or will it be easier as a multi-body....hmmm....
Update 3 - Building to commence this Thursday. Going with a ridge as buying pre-built rafters are too far out and due to the size, I believe the ridge will be more structurally sound. Ridge is now a 2x8 which is to match code so that the 2x6 rafter bottom edge needs to reside on the ridge. Pressure treated 2x6x16' are heavy...moving all of it around is no fun. Respect for the folks doing this daily! Don't worry, I'm not taking this on myself. Always know what you are capable of and find someone that is experienced! I'll add some photos eventually here and more screen shots too.
Update 4 - Almost at the finish line!! Hopefully this week the shed will be all buttoned up and the last few pieces put on to complete the shed. It has been a long road as the New England weather does not always play nice, but luckily the snow has not been an issue. I'm sure we'll pay for it in the coming weeks! Just like SOLIDWORKS I'm finding out just how many little details there are in just building a shed! So many that I doubt I will ever get to all the details and putting it into CAD. We finished the double doors and most of the vinyl is installed. I say "most" because vinyl doesn't always flex the best in cold temps and one corner piece cracked on us. I also had to order 10 more pieces of siding as the estimate that I added on more to was still not enough. Square footage calculations doesn't equal piece usage when they come in 12ft-6" lengths...go figure! Wish I had time to model that out and I would have been better prepared. Have some leftover timber due to switching from 2x4 to 2x6 but I have a much more sturdy construction. This is no store bought shed!! Back to work and I'll have some photos to upload soon. Next up will be some areas that I wish I did CAD on and others that I didn't. With these types of projects it is hard to find that happy medium and balance of need versus time. I'd like to hear from others out there about where they "cut corners" for Maker projects and how they felt after doing that?
Update 5 - the shed is buttoned up and finished. Need some final photos and story about the process. Planning on continuing with the model of course on my lunch breaks....we'll see how far I take it as there are a lot of details.
Some final pics. Double doors are primed for winter, think I'll paint them gray to match the vinyl in the spring. Would love to see other shed models in the comments below!!
weldments Woodworking
