Most Said It Wasn't Possible But I Did It Anyway (Episode 9)

You don't know until you try and today was a prime example of that. I'll show you exactly how I place and align huge 600-pound concrete footings all-by-myself with an old half-working mini excavator and a 10-foot 2x4. Although there are likely more precise and expensive ways of doing things, my motto has always been to do what you can with what you've got. Today those words hold true.
Mini excavator shown in this video:
mid-1990's Takeuchi TB15
#sawmillbusiness #sawmill #construction #constructionequipment #miniexcavator #excavator #digging #diggingmachine #level #footings #homestead #homesteading

[@Frontireadventures]

Nice to see over 70k subscribers. This is an excellent channel, and you provide great content. Something to be said for the calm and cool approach.

[@tonytango6676]

Agreed

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you for the support and kind words! I genuinely appreciate everyone's support and well wishes. Without each of you I wouldn't be at that milestone!

[@richvail7551]

@@sawingwithsandy and you’d be using the shovel instead of a mini excavator. 😂 It’s nice that just having viewers can make someone a chunk of cash.

[@deprived56501]

Answered my question about the mini skid before I got to ask. Where there's a will, there's a way. Good work all around, I'd say. Good vid. Thanks.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you! Was a bit sketchy with the cylinder leaking down as I was driving but lucky for me it worked out alright

[@Z-Bart]

I would never tell a working man that it can't be done. Good job Sandy!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you! I'm happy so far. Ask me again though when the beam is done as I"m a bit skeptical even at my own ideas right now lol

[@jackbaskin371]

Way to go. There is a saying for those of us who think outside the box. The hard to do, we do immediately, the impossible takes a little longer.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Jack!

[@DavidRobinson-mx6cl]

Great progress brother , love your attention to detail from the start , start right , end right ! Thanks for sharing , keep it up !!!!! 😊🙏👍❤️

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hey David! Great to hear from ya in the chat and thanks for all your support

[@chuckwagner820]

You're an extremely resourceful man! Great job!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Chuck!

[@mirceanouradachian9168]

👍👍👍💙💛❤Treaba buna SANDY. FELICITARI ! 💙💛❤👍👍👍

[@jerrygibs8120]

Thank you for the share. Looks like your conclusion was a good resolution solution. Plumb, straight and no protrusion. Not even an optical illusion. 👍☝🙏🙌💪Blessings and prayers to you and family in His Holy Name for safety, health, strength, wisdom and success flowing in all your endeavors.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I always am glad to see ya here in the chat Jerry! Thank you!

[@mudderman8620]

Where there is a will, there is a way. Good for you doing it your way Sandy. Stay well, stay safe and keep keeping on.😅😊😅😊😅😊😅😊

[@sawingwithsandy]

I'm going to say that the sludge keeps me lubricated just enough to keep moving. This working by myself business is starting to hurt my body lol

[@mudderman8620]

@@sawingwithsandy Yes it’s remarkable what you get done by yourself but you must be ever aware of the toll on your body. Take it slow and don’t push yourself too much. Yes old man winter is not far off but you, your health must come first.

[@mikefromwv1010]

looking good Sandy. You seem to be feeling better. Take care

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hey Mike! I'm back to normal now. feeling 100% (well close to it). A sludge or two more and I'll be back at 100% lol

[@robertgreen8695]

It is amazing what a person can do when they believe in themselves. Of courser you don't know what you can do until you try.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hey there Robert! I must say that I'm one of those people who likes to try even when some say not to as I figure that even if I fail, I never really fail since I learned from it.

[@BrianPope-v2t]

Always enjoy your videos, inspiring me to build my sawmill shed myself. Anxious to see your layout.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Brian! I'm happy so far with how things are going but I think once the big beams get into place I'll feel more confident

[@savagefirewood]

Congratulations my friend on 70k Subs. Keep up the great content cheers

[@southernadirondackoutdoors]

Setting posts, however it is done, is never a fun job but is also one of the most important to get right. Good job.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you! Sure was a few sketchy moments as I was reaching for a brace or tool and the tall post started leaning lol

[@yvesjolicoeur747]

Good going my friend. One post at a time will win the race.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I think one day if I ever hit the lottery I'm going to stop doing concrete footings all together and do the helical piles lol But for now, I'm happy with how things are going

[@MannistoCay]

Take care bud, stay warm! 👍😊🌴🪵

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you neighbour! Things are coming right along

[@outdoorswithlarryrobin]

Hello Sandy, good work doing things by yourself, I did the chicken pavilion by myself. The 6 x 6 post have a mind of their own sometimes😂👍🇺🇸

[@sawingwithsandy]

They sure like to move around haha

[@jerrydeveau4738]

I am really surprised that no one picked up on the snow shovel you were using in backfilling your post.😊

[@sawingwithsandy]

lol us Canadians have to practice shovelling snow by shovelling dirt in the warm months

[@stephenlehr6020]

Assuming the hydraulic lines near the base of the boom are the same size lines, say for the stick cylinder and the bucket cylinder, swap the lines for the stick cylinder with the bucket cylinder, at the bottom of the hard lines on the boom. If the stick cylinder then no longer is bleeding off like before, then you know it is likely in the valve, especially if the bucket cylinder starts bleeding off (though it will not bleed off as noticeably since the bucket is much lighter than the stick and bucket together). If the stick cylinder continues to bleed off after swapping the lines, then the problem is in the cylinder itself. And I would suggest wiring the hour meter to the "run" wire from the ignition switch, as it should only have 12v on it when the engine is running (the hr meter is going to have very little power draw so it won't effect the "run" circuit. Hope that helps, have a good one!!👍

[@john_the_miller]

You could also cap off both sides of the cylinder with fully extended, lift the boom. If it bleeds down, you got a bad cylinder.

[@stephenlehr6020]

@@john_the_miller True, just need to make sure you have two sets of caps and plugs for for both sides of the lines. Then fully extend the stick and lower the boom to set the bucket on the ground before disconnecting the lines so that the stick stays fully extended. Then restart the machine and raise the boom up. Swapping the lines just means you don't have to have the caps and plugs that will hold pressure, but you are right as well. Have a good one!! 👍

[@jean-robertbourbonnais6279]

Good Job Sandy !!! 👍😎🍺🍺

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you! Coming together slow but sure

[@camperjack2620]

No matter which way you do it, its all hard work. Looking good! I just did a cylinder on my Kubota. I took the hoses loose, drained fluid into a can to discard. It took the pins out, tossed it in the truck and took it to a Hydraulic guy. All the farmers around will know which shop is the best. He redid the seals while I went grocery shopping and called me to come pick it up. $135 American. Now, I don't know about the valve body, but I think a twenty year old machine it wont hurt to guess and if you're wrong, the cylinder is good, anyway. For the next post, Put the boom arm out so the bucket is where the post should be ,about 4 feet off the ground, and hang a rope on it. Stand up the post, tie it around the dipper stick frame, and then nail on your 2x4 support boards, Like having an extra guy out there.

[@markeustice618]

I think your system work well. Great job.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Mark!

[@buddyreed2623]

Hello Sandy. I hope your title is just made up, if not, those are just the negative folks with fumbling fingers. These posts are the most important part of your build. Even if it takes twice as long as it actually did to get them right, it's worth it. I don't think your tractor will raise up far enough to put the beams on top, but a stack of pallets with the beams on top of them will be tall enough to reach the top. If not pallets, a structure made with a similar look will do. It only takes .001" to let hydraulic fluid pass by wherever it is. If it's the cylinder, I hope you found the rebuild kit and have watched a video or two on how to do it. I know you can. Have good days!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hey there Buddy Reed! I think you're right. I"ll have to rig something up to get up to the top with the beam. My brain is working overdrive now trying to get it planned out

[@buddyreed2623]

@@sawingwithsandy Even your tote bins may be high enough.

[@johnmagnus1016]

Nice work Sandy! Pretty hard to do two man jobs with only yourself! Those massive footings ain't going anywhere. Sure glad the winter frost line here where I live on the west coast (Vancouver Island) is only about 6 inches deep, makes life a little easier. Keep up the good work!

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hey John! Beautiful part of the country you live in! I"ve been out west a few times and once to Vancouver Island and really enjoyed it.

[@quarlow1215]

I put a massive beam up on my brother's new deck. We could have built the beam up on the post but he likes to do things the hard way all the time but he didn't know how to do it. So I put a 2x4 up on both end posts at an angle of a 33° and set the beam at the bottom. Then I just used come alongs to lift the beam as high up the posts as possible. Then I screwed a short 2x4 under the beam with a brace to hold the weight. Then we just stood on ladders and shouldered it on top. We put a short 2x4 on the back side of the top of the post to keep it from falling off. Then we went to the other end to shoulder the beam up there. It took a little while winching it but it was easy to do. Good luck, you'll figure it out.

[@sawingwithsandy]

That sounds like the perfect way of doing it! I think I'm going to look into this idea. I"ll just brace the posts off each other before hand so they don't lean on me and winch them right up. Thanks for that idea!

[@paulfrizzell31]

👍great video, Sandy 😎

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Paul!

[@paulfrizzell31]

@@sawingwithsandy 😎

[@wallacefrey6247]

I know you like doing things by yourself like I do, but I couldn't stop myself from wanting to help you even though you were already done.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I sure would've welcomed you today! Even without the project, would be great to catch up

[@eduardfrazao3506]

Sandy you well get there

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thanks Eduard! I appreciate your support

[@TheBeardedCarpenter]

Howdy Sandy- whatever works for you is the way to do it. Getting the posts up and in line and plumb is the hard part of a build like this but you’re getting it done. I have to say that I felt a little bit crowded sitting on the mini ex with you. One of us is gonna have to get off lol. I had wondered how you were moving the footings after you got them in the hole- l never thought about using the mini ex. Slick move on your part. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the build. Take care and God bless

[@sawingwithsandy]

lol it was a tight fit for me all by myself on that mini ex. Sure wouldn't mind a good 5 tonne unit. I"ll keep dreaming lol

[@bradleyhughes1399]

Hiya Sandy, for the cylinder: watch the channel for C&C equipment. They have plenty of videos on to fix the problem. There’s a couple seals inside the cylinder itself and a few where the chrome rod comes out. You’ll have to remove the cylinder from the excavator and throw it in a vise on a workbench. Good luck

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you for that!

[@carlmclelland7624]

Sandy, That one went pretty smooth. You're doing good. Nail a 2x4 on one side at the top of the post, then do the same with the next post. Lift your beam as high as you can with your tractor and forks. Brace it against the side of the post, put a strap around the beam and around the 2x4 on each end. Climb a ladder on one end and lift the beam onto the top of the post, and drive a temporary screw to hold it up there, then do the same on the other end. When you've adjusted (moved) it into position, secure it with screw, nails, strong ties... whatever you need. Repeat the operation until all the beam are in place, and you'll be done....

[@sawingwithsandy]

That's a good idea there Carl! I didn't think about that brace idea. I always appreciate hearing from you. Thanks again

[@Andrew_From_NB]

Hey buddy! Super congrats on the 70k subs Sandy! Really happy for you! Such great content and I always enjoy my trip with you to the red pine forest to see what you’re up to! I’ve really been enjoying this build series Sandy and I have been following on all your videos but I sometimes don’t get around to commenting, but just know that I am tagging along! Really liking the setup and design how you’re going about it! Anyways winter is coming my friend, make sure you stock up on shear pins for the blower, gonna be that time soon! Anyways take care and will see you soon! Andrew from NB :)

[@jrygh8380]

Hopefully you can get covered before the snow flies.

[@TheTechRep1]

If your cylinder has an internal leak it will get warm to the touch, or warmer than a good cylinder. This works on aircraft and I’m sure it holds true for any hydraulic system

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you for that idea. I never knew that one and will check it out

[@bwillan]

An idea for getting the beams up in the air. Build a very large tripod out of cut down trees and attach a pulley to it. Using the line from the skidding winch, run it through the pulley and down to the beam to hoist it up. Of course this would be a 3 man job to land the beam easily. Looking forward to your solution to that problem.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Thank you! Those are some good ideas!

[@lumberjill6598]

Look at you buckaroo, 70k subscribers! Can you believe that many people know who you are!? Way to go on getting another post up. Definitely not getting any warmer is it. Supposed to be snow just up the road from us on the pass tonight. Is a person ever truly ready for winter? 🍁❄🍁❄🍁❄🔥

[@sawingwithsandy]

Hey Jill! I'm not sure where time has gone but it sure has been a great adventure! I feel very privileged to be able to continue doing the work I do and thank everyone including you for all your support! I couldn't have done it without all of your! Actually though.

[@tjjewell4115]

As always Sandy, great Video, but I must say, I've never seen someone use a snow shovel as a dirt shovel... Keep up the great Channel.

[@sawingwithsandy]

lol I broke my dirt shovel recently and haven't got around to replacing it. The alternative was a plastic snow shovel so this was a bit of step up (not much though lol)

[@tjjewell4115]

@sawingwithsandy No problem my friend.

[@buckinfirewood]

Great job Sandy.. was thinking about the excavator.. is there a check valve on that cylinder?? If so it probably needs repacking.. the cylinder itself is probably fine

[@saintaugustine1715]

Good afternoon Sandy well only one more to go looking good that is the main part to do before snow time and frozen grounds . It is up to you to choose the way you want for the beam the long one especially use 2x10's or the size you think is right and do 4 or 5 thickness with a piece of plywood in between each row it is a lots stronger then a 10x10 beam and a lot easier to do up there one piece at the time then a hole big beam in one shot but like i said it is up to you have a great evening

[@sawingwithsandy]

Good point. Building in pieces would be a good bit easier for me especially up at heights. To be honest, I"m not too sure yet what the finished beam will be but one way or another I figure I'll get it up there

[@thearrowheadwoodsman3811]

Rebuild the cyl first !! The cheapest and easiest. I had the same trouble with my mini. Turned out to bevthe cylinder. Cheers !!!

[@ronaldwood9911]

To rebuild the cylinder is very simple and cheap with the age of your machine it would be a good guess with everything else you have done it would be a walk in the park

[@SuperHurdman]

Weld a hook on the upper side of the bucket near where it connects to the boom! Each to his own but personally I would of just made a platform of 8x8s connect them in a rectangle and connect them together with tenons and mortise and if you ever wanted to move it throw a set of tires under it and move it. What your doing there is a lot of money and is permanent!

[@brianwestveer9532]

Will the tractor lift high enough, with forks to put the beam up,do you have a hydraulic shop that rebuild cylinders ,some snow flakes in the U.P early this week

[@sawingwithsandy]

Unfortunately I think I may have to rig up something else as the tractor will be about 2 feet short I'd imagine with lift. I do have a hydraulic shop that rebuilds cylinders. I"ll have to give them a call to see what they say

[@rodmagee7895]

doesn't matter how you do it as long as you're getting er done.

[@sawingwithsandy]

Some days I say it's the easy way and other days it's the hard way but as long as it's someway I'm good to go lol

[@camperjack2620]

TO GET A BIG HEADER BEAM ON A POST Make a couple of temporary 3x6 about 6 feet long. (7 x 15 cm 2 meters long.) Lag bolt them to the back of the posts sticking up 1 meter (halfway) in the air. Put a giant eye bolt through the top end about 5cm ( 2inches) down from the top. Now you can lift the beam up in the middle, and attach a chain hoist, or a block and tackle at each end. Go up pretty evenly, a little at a time at each end. Your temporary lifting boards also keep the beam from falling off the back when it gets to the top.

[@fredanderson5544]

where the heck is the coffee?

[@sawingwithsandy]

The ole sludge didn't last too long today that's for sure. I think I nearly drank it before I got out to the woods today

[@leekrauss7525]

Easy way to see if cyl. Is bypassing aim a temp gun at cyl, see if it’s getting hotter than the other cyls, take care

[@sawingwithsandy]

That's an idea I never thought of! Thank you for that!

[@wizardind3203]

Take a hose off pressure the other side if the piston seal is out it will leak bad. If not it's the value

[@sawingwithsandy]

I appreciate that help! Thank you!

[@tombooks1410]

Concerning the cylinder on the mast of your excavator. I’ve done hydraulics for over 40 years. And rebuilt hundreds of cylinders. What you need to do is figure out if it’s the cylinder or the control valve that runs it. The way you do that is take the two lines off, going to the cylinder and plug them, and then you’ll have to make up a fitting with a Schrader valve, which looks like a bicycle stem threaded into a fitting that will go into your cylinder. You only have to do this on one side. Put the valve on the side that will extend the boom and inflate it with air. If it stays, then it’s the control valve that operates it. Then put that fitting and Schrader valve on the other line and curl the boom in and see if it stays. If it doesn’t, it is the control valve. If you have to rebuild that cylinder, there’s only about five O-rings and seals in that. They’re really easy to take apart and put back together.

[@sawingwithsandy]

I really appreciate that Tom! Thank you

[@johnleeman5992]

Looks like you need three hands, Sandy.

[@sawingwithsandy]

haha I agree with ya there

[@curtiswomack46]

Im sorry but it really hurts my eyes to watch people struggle with projects that need 3 hands, when a set of quick grips do just that, do your self a favor and buy a couple pair, I have 6 pair that make my life easy.😵

[@sawingwithsandy]

I haven't heard of those before but I"ll check them out. Thanks

[@lumberjill6598]

I 200% agree about the clamps! I have 8 Irwin clamps of different lengths. It is my absolute favorite tool on every project. Must have when working by yourself.

[@adamredden2007]

Buddy.... anything's possible. People are just scared to try things.

[@wizardind3203]

Need a brace and bit for a horse ty it to the lever put it in your mouth and lean back and say woo Nelly

[@sawingwithsandy]

That would get it up there!

[@hsvkid]

Don’t you have any friends?