Jonathan,

Our solution is to cut the post feet to length on site after we shoot the elevations of each post location and any benchmark or existing/adjacent structure we're working to/from and calculate each one's variation from a theoretical zero.

The survey takes one guy just a few minutes now that we have a rotating laser.

Sometimes if the site is close and the deck/slab is ready, I'll go out a few days before we finish cutting the frame and layout for the posts and shoot the elevations and bring the info back to the shop where we then layout and cut the post feet and do any prep for the connection to the floor/foundation.

Gabel,

I agree with your solution, however we are often not able to go to the installation site before or during the installation.

We may be relying on an installer or owner that may not be well versed in shooting elevations. They may not even know how to use a spirit level. So...in order to have a good installation result, we send our pergola columns with a leveling device. I am interested in improving that device.

Thank you.

Jonathan, why not cut the post to length on site? Just curious, I do find these items intriguing. I add them to my theoretical tool box for later use, when a situation arises. Tim

Hi Tim,

The columns I am speaking of are for pergolas that we send to customers we may never see. The columns must be adjustable for the customer to install them selves.

Thanks for your input.

Gottcha, Tim

Hi -- The log post leveler from that store will not do "hold down," which was one of the requests. I am unable to add a photo to this post for some reason, contact me and I'll email you a photo of a "screwjack" with hold-down and hold-up abilities.

Best
Robert W. Chambers
www.LogBuilding.org