Step 2: Build the girder!
You don't have to start with the girder but as the most complicated part of the core frame I wanted to get it out of the way. Along the line I made a few mistakes with recoveries that might help (see further down). First things first, shape the stem (a jigsaw did a good job). Move one was measure out the vertical offsets from the side of the build box and put blocks around the two ply sheets to hold them in place. Then I glued in the stem and CB uprights next to give me some solid end points for the long horizontal pieces and started filling in the rest. Wood used was spruce for the stem, girder top and anything around the CB, lighter Western Red Cedar on all other pieces. I made mine in two pieces then glued together. Mainly because my building top isn't flat.... (see below) Once together I quickly added the top layer and then setup strings to test for flatness and added shims until everything lined up. My approach was to stretch the stri...