Cutting the Curves

First, we transposed the curve from the bottom to the top. This was accomplished by drawing a series of parallel lines on both the top and bottom of the plywood, measuring from the bottom and marking it on the top. I added a half inch just to make sure the saw didn't hit the metal panels.

Since I couldn't find my artist charcoal or chalk, I opted for a barbecue brickette and a curving yardstick that warped in the rain.

It was a matter of connecting the dots. Farmer Rick wanted me to make the cut, seeing as how the curve was my idea in the first place. It's important that chickens have good feng shui, you know.

This is my Dewalt reciprocating saw. It is often generically called a Sawzall, even though that's another brand (Milwaukee). I got it to demolish parts of my former flooded home. When I bought it a decade ago the salesman thought I should buy a smaller, more ladylike one. Even though this one is the biggest and heaviest, it is counter-weighted to balance it for a smoother cut.




Tools are a great investment. If I had to choose just one saw, it would be this one. You can buy blades to cut through whatever you want.

Here's the finished cut.

We had a little rain last night (imagine that!) so here we've tucked our floor under the sheet vinyl that will eventually cover it. That was after we did a little dance together on it, and got to thinking how the roof could incorporate a little deck into the oak, maybe with a staircase following that curve...

Here's a closeup of the vinyl. I think it's supposed to look like regal gold flecks, but it just looks like the chickens have already been there. Next task, building the walls.