help with building a woodie?

Friends just convinced me to put a wall in my huge garage. Looking for some plans to build a free standing wall. Any help appreciated!

Any software useful ie AutoCad? (But not expensive as hell)
Ideal wood?

I build one every morning.

I knew that was going to happen.

I usually have someone else build mine, so I'm no good. no, autocad doesn't work very well

I'm sorry you asked for it. Buff must not know how to use CAD(no disrespect). AutoCAD is hands down the MOST powerful design tool ever created, but might be over the top for this application. However, if you got it, use it. Pine is fine. You just need to go with the studs around 10", on center, as opposed to the standard 16".

The metolius website has a downloadable booklet on building a home wall. Should have all the basic info you require in terms of wood, etc.

metoliusclimbing.com

Nah I don't have cad. I guess I'm just looking for some decent plans. Google hasn't been much help so far!

Cool! Thanks for the link.

Anyone got pictures of their walls?

It's a tough, dirty job, but someone's got to do it.

sigh :(

AndrewinLyons wrote:Ideal wood?

Stay away from the African Ebony.

I know yours will be awesome, Andrew! Keep thinking positive, and don't forget to post pictures!

PS: I'm gonna FLAG myself.
Edit, after I tell you I love your Organasm pictures! Jonny, and I were planning on doing it in Zion, seriously; looks like a great route.

Check out the metolius guide and if you want to get a good visual of different shapes, check out google sketch up. Its a free drafting/drawing program that is pretty much awesome for making quick 3d views.

sketchup.google.com/

Wow this post was just asking for it! LOL

Free 3D modeler:

sketchup.google.com

Sketchup is a great easy to use modeling program, but I think it would be overkill unless you are the engineer type. Use some twine to outline the walls you want to build, and you can use it for determining angles for your cuts. The Metolious ebook is a great resource, and has good information for building a bomber wall.

If you have a basic understanding of geometry, it makes it easier if you plan your walls off standard angles( i.e. 15, 30, 45 degrees) because you can easily determine the lengths of the walls and the corresponding angles for your top and bottom header plates. This saves a lot of time and money(lumber) on miscuts.

Make sure you have some help and buy a 8 foot straightedge for clean cuts on your plywood, which runs about $35/sheet. Don't use CDX plywood unless you really like splinters and want to spend hours sanding and using a surform.

p.s. I build walls occasionally for people and if you determine you need some help let me know. I also have a bunch of ACX plywood I picked up at a discount this summer that could save you some money on material.