It’s that time of year again… when people gather for good times, beads and Mardi Gras parades.  This year I’ve been put in charge of constructing a float for the Young Leaders of St. Louis (apparently I’ve managed to fool them into thinking I’m much handier than they are - and a leader to boot).  I’m not really sure what to expect tomorrow when I show up on the job site to physically construct this thing, but I guess I’ll find out soon enough, eh?

The specs for this job are simple - construct railing so people don’t fall off when the float is moving.  From what I understand, the float will be pulled by a semi truck and must have a Johnny-on-the-Spot (or other such portable toilet) and room for a sound system.  Other than that, I’m free to create.

When doing some preliminary sketches of the float, I’ve decided to use a sturdy bracing system for the base of the railing.  I’ll need 45 degree angles, so I’m going to let the compound miter saw do most of the work.  While I’m talking about tools, here is what I’m planning on bringing tomorrow:

• Compound Miter Saw
• Circular Saw
• Drill/Driver kit (x2)
• Wood Glue
• Hammers
• Nails
• Drywall Screws

That should be enough to get me started.  I’ll have my video camera and digital camera with me so I can demonstrate cuts and construction techniques.  Hopefully I won’t be there for a long time, so I can get the videos uploaded to YouTube in a reasonable time frame.  I’d like to start doing more video tutorials/guides, so we’ll use Mardi Gras as a testing ground to see how well it works.