[Public-List] Deck beam still a little flat.

[gregr at nethere.com]

Finally dug into fixing my deck beam this weekend. The tabbing is gone and
the beam is jacked up until it is just lifting off the inner supports. The
shape has improved but is still noticeably flat in the center. I originally
used a 18"x3"x3/4" piece of red oak between the lifting point and the beam.
I wanted something to spread the load and yet take an arc. After giving it
an hour or so I cut reliefs to narrow the oak to about 8". That didn't make
a difference. So, is this normal? If not, then what's the trick? I am doing
this with the stick up but since I can lift the beam off its supports I
can't see where that is a problem.

What is the solution for replacing the tabbing without it causing a flatness
issue with the plates? My current plan is to cut an 1/8" x 1" rabbit along
the top edge and sides of each plate. This will allow most of the plate to
sit flat against the beam. I'll fill the rabbit with thickened epoxy during
assembly.

As always Thanks for the help!

Greg
s/v Sea Dance

 1253512329.0