Everyone I've talked with mentions shims and leveling as one of the biggest priorities at Belgravia. I've had to do minor leveling before but Belgravia sounds like a major construction project. Can anyone offer some tips on what I need in the way of shims, tools, etc. I always carry a few short 2x4's and some smaller pieces and a decent tool box but info on any additional requirements would be appreciated. For instance, something better than 2x4's? Longer pieces, bricks, concrete blocks, etc.? Thanks to all.
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Connie - Just about the time I'm getting a mental picture of what to expect, you throw in "tree roots"! From what I've read, it sounds like a person needs a trailer-load of lumber along with whatever else they may be hauling. Seriously, thanks to everyone for their input on this. I'm certainly glad I asked the question. If one wasn't prepared, it would be quite a shock to arrive thinking the ground was going to be level. This forum becomes more valuable and helpful by the day. It's comforting to know there is help out there -- help that can address just about every issue in question. Thank you, Connie, for providing such a valuable resource.
I've been using 10 foot 2x8 boards painted white and concrete blocks for shows like Talbott where you have to jump the curb. I'm on 4th Street at St. James. I'll be using the blocks and some 2x8x16 boards as shims to raise up the back of the booth level with the front. The propanels just sit on top of the boards. The blocks have another 2x8x16 liquid nails attached, and I use an electric drill to anchor the planks to the blocks, then smaller lag screws for the legs of the tent to the board. It also gives an extra foot in height so the bottom of the panels are usable for hanging prints.
Wow, Jim! That is totally impressive, not only the construction but the drawing. I knew you were one of the "techie" ones here but this is really nice.
Don, it will depend on your space. Most of them slope up from the sidewalk and then there are tree roots to deal with as it is a lovely shaded media between two sidewalks where the booth spaces are. I'm thinking that you are probably allotted more than the standard 10 x 10 depending on how many tree roots are in the space. It is very casual and friendly.
Jim,
Thanks for the info and for the "blueprint". I don't use propanels so that's not an issue. However, your drawing has given me some other ideas. I use shelves and each set has 4 small feet. So, I still my be able to incorporate a design similar to yours into my display. I intend to start playing with it today. Thanks for your help.
Lori,
Thank you very much. Tht's very kind of you. I'm going to do my best to be prepared for anything but, should I not be, I'll certainly come to see you. Thanks again and, good luck at the show.
Hey Don, if you need more shims after you get there you can stop by my booth, a woodworker friend made me a bag full. I'm on the corner of 4th & Magnolia booth 800
Lots of ways to do this. Some people use a 10' section, and block it up at the back end. Some just stack up blocks. If you have propanels, it's a bit harder to get the panels all leveled and shimmed. Propanels now makes them with a "jacked up" option, that lets you choose varying lengths of the legs, by using a thumbscrew and a sliding section.
This solution will work, too:
It's a 3.25 x 3.25 x 1.5" block, drilled out so that Propanel feet will fit into the holes. It's 2 1" holes with an overlap, drilled to a depth of 1/2 an inch. Paint 'em black.. Turn them on end, or use them flat. Stack them. Make enough to go under all your panel feet -- 8 per standard 38" 3-panel wall, or 24. I bring along a small set of 1/2" and 3/4" plywood shims, too, plus some cabinet shims. A box of these riser blocks will take you an hour in the shop with a chop saw and a drill press. Spray them black when you're done.