There is nothing quite like the feeling of watching a structure you’re building by hand finally start to reach for the sky. This week was a massive milestone—we officially have the trusses up!
The Muddy Grind (The Pain)
I’m not going to sugarcoat it: the property is a sloppy, muddy mess right now. We’re doing what we can with leveling, but until things dry out, we’re just pushing mud around.
The week started with setting the pressure-treated 2×8 bottom boards. I hit a small “Pain” moment when I realized I bought 12-foot lumber instead of 14-footers for the back wall. Since it’s 12 feet from the outside of the posts, I needed that extra length to reach the center of the post for a solid connection. Lesson learned: always account for the thickness of your lumber!
The Backhoe MVP
I’ve said it before, but the backhoe is the true MVP of this build. It’s got a lifting capacity of about 5,400 lbs, and I definitely tested its limits dragging 6,000-lb units of lumber around. I even had to use it to pull the truss delivery truck through the orchard when the driver got stuck in the soft December mud. If I can find a way to keep this machine after the shop is done, I’m doing it.
Setting the Trusses (The Victory)
Setting trusses on 16-foot walls is a whole different ball game. I notched the first six posts myself using a chainsaw while standing on an extension ladder—sketchy doesn’t even begin to describe it. I decided to wait for my dad to arrive before doing the last two. “Safety third,” as we say, but even I have my limits!
My buddy Matt came through in a big way with his material handler forklift. It has a 40-foot reach, which allowed us to pick the trusses up right over the posts. It was a bit wobbly when fully extended, but it got the job done.
My dad helped me get the first three sections up, and then my wife Allison stepped in to help me finish the last two. It was blistering cold (about 23 degrees) and started snowing on us during that final section, but we pushed through.
Looking Forward
Seeing those trusses up is a huge psychological win. The shop is looking big—like, really big. I’ve been staying up an hour or two after work every day just to get a bit more framing done on the walls.
The next goal? Get all the roof framing finished. I’m hoping the next episode shows a fully dried-in roof, but I might have to take a break and play with the Jeep for a bit if the snow keeps coming!
What do you guys think of the progress so far? Am I crazy for doing this in the dead of winter? Leave a comment and let me know.
Wheel it, Wreck it, Wrench it, Repeat!
— Josh
Days of Pain and Victory 
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