I have a cat named Awesome and my pet sitting/dog walking business is Awesome Pet Sitting. AND guess what? I’ve named my new business Keep Smilin’ Flower Stand. I’ve transformed my small Vermont front yard into a flower garden via cardboard, wood chips and raised flower beds! Will start selling flowers next Spring! I’ve already given away 50+ pumpkins that voluntarily grew from a free load of leaves. Awesome! I spread the word about future flowers while giving away the pumpkins! Carolyn/Vermont Cat Lady (originally from San Diego, CA)
The hubby is concerned that you are screwing your mounts into the top of the posts screwing into the grain not the cross grain. Chance of the post splitting down the length. Hope it works well. His suggestion was use flat plate on the front of the post and bolt through. 😁
Putting a lot of trust on your weld. panels will be stressed over time with vibrations and wind and welds will not last forever under these conditions.
Omigoodness your pinetrees with the snow looks picture perfect Jules take a shot and paint it onto a large canvas and hang it, you probably get sick of having so much snow, where I live in central wheatbelt of Western Australia it doesn't snow, though it does right down south in Stirling Ranges once a year if their lucky
"Laying down dimes" is what the pros say when they're welding a nice bead ! Looking better and better, Marty ! Of course, that might be just because Jules is at your side !😃
That red square thing you have with the posts ... I say a guy from canada use that on the post as a guide to hold the saw... I don't have one yet but think it is a neat tool
Martin your solar arays looks great one thing I might add though about your brackets maybe you should drill holes all the way through at the bottom of the brackets an post and put in bolts an flat washers and lock nuts to ensure the broackets don't rot off the top of the posts. maybe even use a wide washer to go for strenght on the brackets, but all in all your work is always Great and hope you get your solar set up to be able to run your entire off grid for everything you so desire.
At 16:00 min's into your video you are cutting a post using a power saw, the first cut is great but to avoid an uneven finish from the second cut using your reciprocating saw to make the second cut (final cut). The power saw has already made a guide cut from the first cut.
Here's a tip!! When drilling steel, first drill a pilot hole with a smaller bit. Also don't drill at full speed. SLOW SPEED, HEAVY FEED cuts better and doesn't burn up your bit.
Paint the bottom 2-1/2 feet posts with bitumen paint the wood will not rot out ...... I use 4" Posts with a tight grain . Your house is looking good . Good job .
Nice solar panel configuration, hard to believe the entire existing setup is one sixth of the new system? Coffee store was awesome. I think it is very important to take the time to show us that while you live off the grid town life is not too far away. I guess the fire was mostly smoke, since we never saw more scenes? Keep Smiling!
If your set screws don't work out, drill all the way through and bolt outer pipe onto inner. If they won't carry the wind (and or snow load) and slip just when you don't want them to.
We have a small, hand held, corded, electric planer which works super for taking care of smoothing out small diy missives in an imperfect world be they materials, operator, or other equipment based. I have no idea how expensive they are, knew they (or this one) wasn't cheap, and we got ours much cheaper because it was a partially paid for special order from a small tool shop which wasn't picked up.
I really love what you guys do. In response to your live video, it would be really awesome if you went deeper into off-grid living (canning, preserving, bees, gardening)
On you main solar panel pole you should place a bicycle sprocket and chain on one end. And they create a way to turn them at a lower level with another bicycle sprocket. This will make it easier to position without having to get on a ladder. I can try and draw something up if interested.
Just a short-cut, being an Handyman we all have some old measure tape. You may staple one (bottom to top) on one of the pole to see how much snow you have from ground up.
Former pro welder here. The best way to improve your welding skills is just do more of it. Using the flux core wire is probably the hardest to learn on. A true MIG system using Argon gas is far easier to use, it makes a much smoother weld, but you have to fuss with gas bottles. The new solar setup looks really nice. Thank you for sharing.
The new solar panel mounts are fantastic!!!!! I hope you build a setup to adjust then when needed.Keep up the work Martin and Jules and God bless.☺️☺️❤️❤️❤️
I learned stick weld in the navy. I was pretty good. I got a hf flux core and hated it. then I got a mig welder from hf and I liked the beads I got. can't weld due to lung issues.
I would have recommended the bolts through the whole posts for extra protection from everything falling if the top of your posts start deteriorating at some point. I see the comments on Galvanic corrosion… I wouldn’t have thought of it independently, but I think they are right, could cause problems. Please build a carport…. It will change your life.
Maybe im missing something but couldnt you have drilled a hole through your uprights run you pipe through and grease for ease of movement, saving a whole lot of time and you precious energy!! Love the fact your doing this as a family. If you lay up your burn pile all you need is a match to start=less toxins in the air. All the best and happy new year!!
Ya'll took the word right out of my mouth, awesome! Except for the two dissimilar metals, aluminum and galvanized steel contacting = corrosion. Even aerosol undercoating on the brackets, or something to keep them from rusting, and the treated posts tops covered with plate steel. Js Love what you're doing ❤️, now finish the job...lol
Wouldn't it be stronger still if you put the circular piece on the top of the post so that the weight is transferred directly down the post, rather than hanging off the back of the post and simply relying on 3 screws, two of which are into end grain? Just a suggestion.
Really sorry to be "that guy" once you've done it because I love the set-up, but you've got a galvanic cell corrosion going on there. You need to get a good thick coat of paint on the brackets and ideally take the flashing off for bitumen paint on the wood or something. It won't be instant, so will wait a few months (especially in the cold), but you'll get about an extra 5 trouble-free years if you do it.
I like the idea of the continuous pipe for all of the solar panels. The bolt/nut combo on the bracket to hold the pipe in place is pretty awesome. Something you might consider as an added safety, stability, & strength feature would be to add a bracing arm that can be moved to set the solar panels at a specific angle to better catch the optimal amount of the sun's rays may be helpful.
Make sure that you grind the mill scale off the hot rolled steel, it welds easier and creates a better bond. Also considering you`re not using 3 phase power and welding outside, I would use SMAW (stick welding) as a welding process. Gasless fluxcore needs more power to make a good bond, and SMAW is less enviroment sensitive. (Having extensive experience in pipelines, offshore, construction and building machinery)
Wowser people!!! That is stinkin impressive. So appreciate the explanation of what you were doing. Great share! Thank you. Love how yous work together so well.
The welds definitely weren't pretty, but look like they will hold. I would spray paint them with Rust-Oleum to slow them from rusting and the welds weakening over time. You definitely got the basics down. practice makes perfect.👍
Love your work guys! Can't wait to see all 15 solar panels up. Perhaps you could find an electric motor with an offset weight to mount to the posts to vibrate each morning to shake the snow off the panels
As much as it is a cool idea to just swivel along one central tubular axis, this is EXTREMELY Fragile! look at it shaking & quivering at the touch of your hand! i believe those panels will be exerting too much pressure on that tiny weld causing metal fatigue & subsequently failing in cascade like a domino. You live in the wild, so wind factor is a monumental, so is wild life messing with your cables/ panels. This needs a LOT of rethinking & refining, starting with a brace.
Looking good Marty, but you need to have a support on the bottom of the panels, more so for wind, an also for the snow will turn them, if not brake them... You have a good Idea but you need take it an point of support an adjustable too...
That is a nice install. You might want to put bracing on the panel struts in case of wind. Those bolts should have some help. It gives me an idea for installing some panels at my place.
I think an old hand crank truck box camper jack stand right in the middle of that span would be handy for adjusting it to the proper angle for the seasons as well as bracing it like you mentioned. Can't wait to see the finished setup
I'd love to see that vid from the Holman Homestead of the dogs and pony playing together, ("Best Friends") but I don't subscribe to Instagram and/or Facebook. If it could be loaded up to RUclips, I'd be most grateful. Great Johnson vid as usual!
For that broom handle , stick a piece of round stock or doweling down the inside of what remains; ideally down into the broom head without breaking any thing. Make your doweling as long as you want the broom handle to be and extending beyond what remains of your metal broom handle. Drill screws through the metal and inserted wood doweling a few places using screws that won't go all the way through. Or, drill and use small bolts with nuts; it all sorta, kinda depends upon what you may have sitting around, is cheapest at the store, and is available at the store.
Good morning you guys how you guys doing where's Sally at today she not there today to cut the night on you guys you guys better be careful make sure you wear your protection all right you guys have a great day especially your eyes that's the only set eyes you have all right guys have a great day hi Julie we love you guys
Amazing job and excellent video, as always! 👍 Love it! Your welding skills by now is on the level at Q&D (Quick and Dirty) - but it will do the job and hold the load, what else we can be happy about??! Great job for first time welder.. 😊 My prediction - after 5 years from this point You will replace solar panels studs with concrete base and wooden support upstairs from ground..
🔥 WATCH OUR OFF GRID HOME BUILD FROM THE BEGINNING bit.ly/OffGridCabinBuild
i have started looking at your channel love what you are doing looking from South Africa in Lichtenburg north west very far away from you
😊😊😊😊
I miss when you trying new food and restaurant in Indonesia😩, can you make it again in usa please?
I have a cat named Awesome and my pet sitting/dog walking business is Awesome Pet Sitting.
AND guess what? I’ve named my new business Keep Smilin’ Flower Stand. I’ve transformed my small Vermont front yard into a flower garden via cardboard, wood chips and raised flower beds! Will start selling flowers next Spring!
I’ve already given away 50+ pumpkins that voluntarily grew from a free load of leaves. Awesome! I spread the word about future flowers while giving away the pumpkins!
Carolyn/Vermont Cat Lady (originally from San Diego, CA)
Morning Martin and Jules
The hubby is concerned that you are screwing your mounts into the top of the posts screwing into the grain not the cross grain. Chance of the post splitting down the length.
Hope it works well. His suggestion was use flat plate on the front of the post and bolt through. 😁
Putting a lot of trust on your weld. panels will be stressed over time with vibrations and wind and welds will not last forever under these conditions.
Lol, townies. You guys have lots of snow! Big storm coming!
Omigoodness your pinetrees with the snow looks picture perfect Jules take a shot and paint it onto a large canvas and hang it, you probably get sick of having so much snow, where I live in central wheatbelt of Western Australia it doesn't snow, though it does right down south in Stirling Ranges once a year if their lucky
"Laying down dimes" is what the pros say when they're welding a nice bead !
Looking better and better, Marty ! Of course, that might be just because Jules is at your side !😃
You got that right!
@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving 👏
On my solar array I have optimisers which means any panel can deliver its max power, rather than if one panel is shaded the rest are compremised.
ya I had a cat name blackjack and he love to ride on my shoulder everywhere and he ever would fetch and he loved to ride
I went over to Holman homestead and showed them some love, thanking them for hosting you all for Thanksgiving.
That red square thing you have with the posts ... I say a guy from canada use that on the post as a guide to hold the saw... I don't have one yet but think it is a neat tool
I'm glad you like the snow. If the temp gets below 20c or 68f I start to feel cold. Enjoy your climate.
Amazing you are working in the snow.. I guess for me when it comes to snow I just stay cold all winter.
Martin your solar arays looks great one thing I might add though about your brackets maybe you should drill holes all the way through at the bottom of the brackets an post and put in bolts an flat washers and lock nuts to ensure the broackets don't rot off the top of the posts. maybe even use a wide washer to go for strenght on the brackets, but all in all your work is always Great and hope you get your solar set up to be able to run your entire off grid for everything you so desire.
Every time I see a burn pile go up it reminds me of the munitions burn pile at Holloman.
Hi Guys, looks great maaaaaaaaaaaaaan
Bless you dear people.
At 16:00 min's into your video you are cutting a post using a power saw, the first cut is great but to avoid an uneven finish from the second cut using your reciprocating saw to make the second cut (final cut). The power saw has already made a guide cut from the first cut.
Here's a tip!!
When drilling steel, first drill a pilot hole with a smaller bit. Also don't drill at full speed. SLOW SPEED, HEAVY FEED cuts better and doesn't burn up your bit.
Good morning 💐
Paint the bottom 2-1/2 feet posts with bitumen paint the wood will not rot out ...... I use 4" Posts with a tight grain . Your house is looking good . Good job .
Nice solar panel configuration, hard to believe the entire existing setup is one sixth of the new system? Coffee store was awesome. I think it is very important to take the time to show us that while you live off the grid town life is not too far away. I guess the fire was mostly smoke, since we never saw more scenes? Keep Smiling!
If your set screws don't work out, drill all the way through and bolt outer pipe onto inner. If they won't carry the wind (and or snow load) and slip just when you don't want them to.
We have a small, hand held, corded, electric planer which works super for taking care of smoothing out small diy missives in an imperfect world be they materials, operator, or other equipment based. I have no idea how expensive they are, knew they (or this one) wasn't cheap, and we got ours much cheaper because it was a partially paid for special order from a small tool shop which wasn't picked up.
I really love what you guys do. In response to your live video, it would be really awesome if you went deeper into off-grid living (canning, preserving, bees, gardening)
On you main solar panel pole you should place a bicycle sprocket and chain on one end. And they create a way to turn them at a lower level with another bicycle sprocket. This will make it easier to position without having to get on a ladder. I can try and draw something up if interested.
Or something like a garage door manual chain opener.
Just a short-cut, being an Handyman we all have some old measure tape. You may staple one (bottom to top) on one of the pole to see how much snow you have from ground up.
Shazzam! Gomer Pile, a character on "Mayberry RFD" played by Jim Nabors said it as well.
Looks good from here.
Former pro welder here. The best way to improve your welding skills is just do more of it. Using the flux core wire is probably the hardest to learn on. A true MIG system using Argon gas is far easier to use, it makes a much smoother weld, but you have to fuss with gas bottles. The new solar setup looks really nice. Thank you for sharing.
Marty your beads will get better the more you do it. Welding is 10% knowledge 90% experience (practice).
Cat was saying that snow is cold.. lol
The new solar panel mounts are fantastic!!!!! I hope you build a setup to adjust then when needed.Keep up the work Martin and Jules and God bless.☺️☺️❤️❤️❤️
Great video good to see y'all
I learned stick weld in the navy. I was pretty good. I got a hf flux core and hated it. then I got a mig welder from hf and I liked the beads I got. can't weld due to lung issues.
I would have recommended the bolts through the whole posts for extra protection from everything falling if the top of your posts start deteriorating at some point.
I see the comments on Galvanic corrosion… I wouldn’t have thought of it independently, but I think they are right, could cause problems.
Please build a carport…. It will change your life.
Maybe im missing something but couldnt you have drilled a hole through your uprights run you pipe through and grease for ease of movement, saving a whole lot of time and you precious energy!! Love the fact your doing this as a family. If you lay up your burn pile all you need is a match to start=less toxins in the air. All the best and happy new year!!
God job all.. always good to watch..
Grind the black off where you are welding
Ya'll took the word right out of my mouth, awesome! Except for the two dissimilar metals, aluminum and galvanized steel contacting = corrosion. Even aerosol undercoating on the brackets, or something to keep them from rusting, and the treated posts tops covered with plate steel. Js Love what you're doing ❤️, now finish the job...lol
Martin buddy don't use wd on the net to drill use light oil when drilling to keep bit cooler lol
Wouldn't it be stronger still if you put the circular piece on the top of the post so that the weight is transferred directly down the post, rather than hanging off the back of the post and simply relying on 3 screws, two of which are into end grain? Just a suggestion.
YES YES YES THOSE 2 SCREWS IN THE END GRAIN ARE HOLDING MOST OF THE LOAD.
i think you need a vice to hold things rather then holding in your hand
Really sorry to be "that guy" once you've done it because I love the set-up, but you've got a galvanic cell corrosion going on there. You need to get a good thick coat of paint on the brackets and ideally take the flashing off for bitumen paint on the wood or something. It won't be instant, so will wait a few months (especially in the cold), but you'll get about an extra 5 trouble-free years if you do it.
Clean the coating off all metals before welding, will go way better.
I like the idea of the continuous pipe for all of the solar panels. The bolt/nut combo on the bracket to hold the pipe in place is pretty awesome. Something you might consider as an added safety, stability, & strength feature would be to add a bracing arm that can be moved to set the solar panels at a specific angle to better catch the optimal amount of the sun's rays may be helpful.
I’ve heard it called “stacking coins” great job!
Make sure that you grind the mill scale off the hot rolled steel, it welds easier and creates a better bond. Also considering you`re not using 3 phase power and welding outside, I would use SMAW (stick welding) as a welding process. Gasless fluxcore needs more power to make a good bond, and SMAW is less enviroment sensitive. (Having extensive experience in pipelines, offshore, construction and building machinery)
Awesome 👍
You ahev to put the bees in a closed room where no snow and wind come sinside. Like a barn.
Thanks great workmanship
Maybe clean the wood off the chop saw next time and the collection bag as well....
Solar panels Look amazing!! Great job guy's!
Y’all make it look so easy to hang those Solar panels. Keep up the hard work.
Wowser people!!! That is stinkin impressive. So appreciate the explanation of what you were doing. Great share! Thank you. Love how yous work together so well.
The welds definitely weren't pretty, but look like they will hold. I would spray paint them with Rust-Oleum to slow them from rusting and the welds weakening over time. You definitely got the basics down. practice makes perfect.👍
LOVE your channel!🎉🎉🎉🎉 I always look forward to watching every Monday morning ❤
Good morning
Looks great!
Love your work guys! Can't wait to see all 15 solar panels up. Perhaps you could find an electric motor with an offset weight to mount to the posts to vibrate each morning to shake the snow off the panels
As much as it is a cool idea to just swivel along one central tubular axis, this is EXTREMELY Fragile! look at it shaking & quivering at the touch of your hand! i believe those panels will be exerting too much pressure on that tiny weld causing metal fatigue & subsequently failing in cascade like a domino. You live in the wild, so wind factor is a monumental, so is wild life messing with your cables/ panels. This needs a LOT of rethinking & refining, starting with a brace.
Keep it coming 🥳🥳🥳
As always... absolutely fabulous 🥳🥳🥳
Get a diamond blade. The one you have won't last very long, & you said you have a lot of those brackets to make.
A simple band saw would work better and faster.
Looking good Marty, but you need to have a support on the bottom of the panels, more so for wind, an also for the snow will turn them, if not brake them... You have a good Idea but you need take it an point of support an adjustable too...
You did a great job figuring out how to make the solar panel holders. You remind me of my dad, he could figure out anything.
Well done. You did an awesome job.
Why did you weld the nut instead of tapping a thread directly into the steel? Sorry for my English.
That is a nice install. You might want to put bracing on the panel struts in case of wind. Those bolts should have some help. It gives me an idea for installing some panels at my place.
wow that is awesome! great job. so creative.
About your welding,"practices makes perfect".
I think an old hand crank truck box camper jack stand right in the middle of that span would be handy for adjusting it to the proper angle for the seasons as well as bracing it like you mentioned. Can't wait to see the finished setup
That is so so amazing you two!!! That deserves a congratulations!!!
I'd love to see that vid from the Holman Homestead of the dogs and pony playing together, ("Best Friends") but I don't subscribe to Instagram and/or Facebook. If it could be loaded up to RUclips, I'd be most grateful.
Great Johnson vid as usual!
Great job. Like the solar bracket design.
I can't wait to see the interior work to start. Are you not planning on doing a video every day in December like you did last year?
You know The old saying a grinder and paint makes me the Welder I aint lol
Everything is looking so nice. God bless this effort.
Those carborundum blades are designed to run at a lower rpm than a carbide blade for cutting wood . So be careful .
Excellent work🙏
Get a wooden broom handle last longer it's stronger & the length is better too.
That maple bacon scone is wild!
Grinder and paint makes a welder what he ain't
Great job Marty and Jewels, this will add to your life significantly. Have a great week.
Great Job Guy's on getting those solar panels almost-up. wiring them next.. lv from florida.. 65deg
Not a welder but, with all those sparks this wasn't a summer drought project....wishing it not get too, too bitter cold on you.
Welding with flux core always looks a bit messy until cleaned. Just learning? Doing fine. 😊
I really enjoyed the solar installation. Can't wait to see the finished product.
Marty, you're getting better and better with each project. Jules, I really love your camera work.
Love watching you guys! The filming of the pipe cut was cool. 👍🏻👍🏻
Those off-grid kitties look so healthy. Love the new solar setup made from scratch.
Very impressive solution to mount the panels! Following with excitement! Wish you all the best!
For that broom handle , stick a piece of round stock or doweling down the inside of what remains; ideally down into the broom head without breaking any thing. Make your doweling as long as you want the broom handle to be and extending beyond what remains of your metal broom handle. Drill screws through the metal and inserted wood doweling a few places using screws that won't go all the way through. Or, drill and use small bolts with nuts; it all sorta, kinda depends upon what you may have sitting around, is cheapest at the store, and is available at the store.
using a wood saw to cut metal is fine but pit a face mask over the air in take as a filter as metal filling will burn out motor fast
Good morning you guys how you guys doing where's Sally at today she not there today to cut the night on you guys you guys better be careful make sure you wear your protection all right you guys have a great day especially your eyes that's the only set eyes you have all right guys have a great day hi Julie we love you guys
Looking awesome guys!
looking good
Thanks 👍
Amazing job and excellent video, as always! 👍 Love it!
Your welding skills by now is on the level at Q&D (Quick and Dirty) - but it will do the job and hold the load, what else we can be happy about??! Great job for first time welder.. 😊
My prediction - after 5 years from this point You will replace solar panels studs with concrete base and wooden support upstairs from ground..
You should do your solar panels like youtube channel Van Wives have done so you can track the sun for maximum efficiency...