The case of the missing screw jacks

I began setting up the scaffolding this weekend, assembling the first course of a three unit high sctructure, with two sections on each side of the house, and two in front on either side of the front stoop. I was originally just going to put up the two sides, but with all the excess frames I had, I thought I might as well encase the front of the house in a big C shape, adding to the stability of the overall structure.

The cross brases went in very easily, but I only had three base screw jacks. The last owner mentioned he only used three, but I suspect he wasn't using all the sets at the same time. And after looking at the first course, that was tilted this way and that, there is no way this will be stable at 20' with three courses. I'd need thirteen more jacks (as well as the need to cut some 12"x12" plywood base platforms) to complete the structure!

This morning I ordered thirteen for $12.50 a piece, from a company out of Grand Rapids , MI. They'll be here Thursday; a small delay but a large savings. (The local scaffolding place, Berg, wanted $30 each - Pirates!)

"May you live in interesting times." - Chinese Proverb

It’s been awhile since posting, due to some life changes: a loss of two jobs, a girlfriend and the first half of the summer spent. I was laid off from Universal Avionics, joined Microsoft for a month but quit after getting an offer at Honeywell.

I was determined to get a jump start on the out side projects, notably the exterior siding. So on Wednesday I went down to Berg Scaffolding on Alki Beach to get a quote. I needed 6 sets of 3' x 6' frames and a 20' aluminum plank, previously used, to which they wanted $2100. I was apprehensive about putting down so much for scaffolding.

But Craig's List came through once again. I was looking for scaffolding on the list for a few months, with little success until last night. Someone was selling 13, 3 ' x 6.5' frames, 17, 5 ' x 6.5' frames, 24 planks, braces and a handful of jacks for $750 (delivered); Much more than I really needed, but it was the whole lot or nothing. After talking with him, he said would drop to $400 if I can get it out of his yard that very night, with no delivery. I rented a truck and drove down to Dash Point. His place was on top of the hill just on the point, over looking the Sound and Vashon Island; a very expensive view.

He helped me load, spending an hour and a half loading, and another two hours unloading. These things are heavy and its best to pick them up on a balancing point.

I’m missing the 20’ plank, but I can get do without until I get to that section of the house, hoping for another Craig's breakthrough. I'll start assembly this weekend. Photos of the scaffolding below: