Andy has a short article on the FHB home page about using mockups to illustrate articles, and he asked for feedback. IMHO, there’s nothing wrong with that method, as long as it’s done the way he explained it. In this particular case, Mike Guertin (sp) mocked up a wall in a parking lot so thay could take pictures of vinyl siding installation. One of Andy’s concerns is that they want to have articles written by construction pros. I don’t see how this mockup deviates from that philosophy, considering who was involved in the work. My only concern (too strong a word) is that a mockup tends to get built correctly, so there may not be a chance to show how to deal with an unusual situation that could/would be encountered on a normal site.
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Too often I see demonstrations that are unrealistic. Hometime is notorious for excluding a lot of the cutting, fitting and cussing that goes into real work. Items are often cut or scribed to fit off camera and even screwed in place and then dismounted so that the filmed assembly goes smoothly. I have had viewers of these shows tell me that they where disappointed in my skills when it didn't go as swimmingly as these shows depicted. Grrrrrr.
To make it a fair demonstration and give a maximum chance for demonstrating how to deal with difficult situations the wall mock up should be constructed by a special crew. I recommend the crew referred to in the post "Can you fix it" by BRISKETBEAN in the photo gallery section of this forum.
Have them build two intersecting walls and then, when the mock up is completed, let the siding experts make it look good with siding. Truly a fitting test of craftsmanship and skill that will sorely test their abilities and patience while providing a grand chance to document the special techniques needed to deal with walls that are wavy, and out of plumb, square and reason.
Edit to add left out word in P1.
Edited 7/21/2002 12:10:46 AM ET by 4LORN1
I thought that guy's head (Mike?) going in and out the window on the homepage was kinda fun. Better yet would be if all of a sudden he vaulted through the window and belted out the theme from "Oklahoma".
Brinkmann for president in '04
Edited 7/21/2002 12:27:05 AM ET by jim blodgett