Paul uses the chainsaw wheel to shape the girder notch "roof".

The basic shape of the notch is finished.

Now, Paul uses the chainsaw to flare the sides.

Nice work, Paul!

Jillena and Stephen running the sump pump.

Stephen seems to like sampling the water.

After the first dry fit, we discovered that the top of the RPSL notch needed to be cut higher.

The chainsaw wheel is used to make the top flare curved to fit the shape of the girder when the notches come together.

After another dry fit, we needed to expand the sides of the girder notch a bit.

Another dry fit, and it looks good!

Drilling the first of the two bolt holes through the notch from the girder side.

Oops! The drill bit bound up so we had to back it out with vise grips.

On to the second hole.

Setting the torpedo level on the drill bit ensures a level hole.

Paul drills through as far as the bit will allow, which is completely through the girder and a few inches into the RPSL. Then, we tipped the RPSL away to finish the holes through the RPSL.

Returning the RPSL to position and bringing the notches back together, we moved to the basement to mark and drill the single hole through the 1st floor girder. First, Paul measures vertically to find the center of the girder.

Then, after marking center horizontally, Paul starts drilling.

A quick check with the level confirms Paul is drilling a level hole.

After Paul drills through as far as he can from the girder side, we tipped the RPSL back again so Paul could finish the hole through the RPSL.

And he's through!

The notches have been brought back together for a good fit. Jeff has tapped the two sticks of threaded rod through the two holes at the 2nd floor girder and now threads the nuts on.

Jillena came out when Paul left to head home. She started right in with tightening the nuts.

After tightening all the nuts, here's a closeup of the pipe spacer we put in yesterday.

Looking up one of the bolted RPSLs to the ridge pole.