Bond Beam Problem Solved

The weather last week was miserably rainy -- 10+ inches -- then it turned cold. So, about all I got accomplished was a solution to the bond beam problem; or more specifically what would I use beneath the bond beam block to keep concrete from going down into the cells where I didn’t want it.
I have a friend that works for a company that rebuilds engine cowls, flaps and ailerons for airliners. They use a LOT of aluminum, in all thicknesses and sizes imaginable. He said they have a lot of scrap that just gets thrown away and that I would be welcome to come raid their scrap bin. I got all I need in one trip…best of all…it was free.

One piece was 4’ x 10’ and .020 thickness (read that as 20 thousandths). I cut all my pieces 6” x 15” using Wiss brand aviation snips and my bandsaw. It took a couple of hours to cut the 80 odd pieces I would need, but it’s done.

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When I pour the bond beam I’m going to have to stand on something so I can get up high enough to work. So, I also build a couple of saw horses this week. I’ll nail a piece of plywood down on two 2x4’s and make myself sort of a scaffold. I only have to get up about 36” above ground level (in some places) to work comfortably, so these should do the trick. I drilled holes in the legs every inch so I could bolt on some leg extensions when needed.