Prepping for a Second Column

After work, Liz and I went into the basement to make some more headway. It’s been a relaxing time over the holidays, but the two of us are now in a mode where we’re wanting to roll our sleeves up some more.

To make space for a new support column, we needed to remove some concrete. A plumb bob and some measurements later, we had the space marked out. Broke out the grinder again (been a while since I’d used it).

Note the mini shop vac in the corner. Liz worked alongside me, trying to pull in as much concrete dust as she could, while I cut. It’s a process that’s worked out well for us.

The two cuts, looking fairly clean/straight. At this point, I couldn’t remember how I handled breaking off the cement. I texted Bob a photo, asking whether I should be trying to remove the whole piece at once, or if I should try scoring it and tackling things, bit by bit.

My worry was that in using a hammer to remove the concrete, it would break past the seam.

Bob said to use the latter approach, and to “sneak up on it.”

This is me, using the grinder without any guide lines. I did ok going freehand, but that last line kind of went south.

Breaking each segment off slowly (and using less force than I did previously) worked out great. I just slowly chipped away at things, bit by bit.

All gone!

The start of the dig.

The end of the dig.

A lot of extra sand to get rid of. Liz decided to celebrate by making a mini sand castle.

It’s January in Chicago, and we were working in the basement. I guess if you can’t make it to the beach, the best you can do is bring the beach to you?

Related:
Serious Basement Work
Cutting into the Chimney Bricks in the Basement
Filling a Very Large Hole in the Basement