Errata and Changes to the DryStacked Construction Handbook...

Although the eBook has been published, improvements in the dry stacked block building process continue. We have added this errata page to keep our readers informed of the latest changes.

Errors in the Book
Improvements to the Book

Errors in the Book

1. Installed block dimensions. (7/24/07) Although this is not an error, we reference it here to reduce possible confusion. In the "Dry stacked Wall Dimensions Chapter", we point out that the corner- block is 8.0625-inches wide. We also point out that the installed half-block linear length is about 7.9-inches and the installed full-block length is about 15.7-inches. These estimates were provided as guidelines for planning walls. These estimates do not consider wall growth, but instead are the real installed block lengths including 1/16" gap to compensate for slight misalignments.

Later in the same Chapter, we discuss wall growth in greater detail and next we describe the spreadsheet solution. The spreadsheet solution eliminates the estimates described in the previous paragraph of this text. The spreadsheet block unit length is defined as 15-6/8" which equals 15.75". This dimension precisely includes wall growth and installed length. A linear half-block is defined as 15.75"/2 = 7.875". The difference between a linear half-block length (7.875") and a corner block width (8.0625") is rounded off to (0.25") when in reality, this difference is (0.1875") which is actually (3/16"). This add-on for a corner-block was rounded up to (0.25") simply for the ease of doing the math during manual wall dimensioning. This slight excess doesn't hurt and it also ensures that short two-block out-croppings wont have a problem.

Now that we have completed the CAD training course, we now explain in detail how to draw the house plans using QCad. Since CAD is a very precise drawing method, we decided to teach the add-on as (3/16") instead of teaching the add-on as (1/4") for corner-blocks as described in the book.

During the first 30 Lessons of TheCadTrain-CD, we didn't get into this topic, and we specified the architectual dimensions for the QCad to be (feet - inches - 1/8-inches) for the rounding-off accuracy. When we developed the Bonus-CD (Lessons 31,32,33) for accurately placing corner blocks, we discovered that the architectual dimensions rounded off to (1/8") was inadequate. We now recommend that the architectual dimensions be rounded-off to (1/16"). This allows the add-on of (3/16") for corner blocks without misleading rounding-off of CAD dimensions to the nearest (1/8").

In conclusion, the wall stretch required for each corner-block (8.0625") increases the spreadsheet wall segment length by (3/16") in reality and not (1/4") as estimated in the Book. Hopefully, this will explain why we changed from (1/4") add-on as defined by the spreadsheet tables, to the (3/16") add-on as described in the Bonus-CD (Lessons 31,32,33).

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Improvements to the Book

1. Changes in the "Draw Your Own Plans" Chapter. (7/24/07) This Chapter has been changed at the our Website to reflect our new belief that QCad is now the better CAD program to use with dry stacked block house plans. This change is because we have completed a QCad Video Training Course CD. With this 6-hour video training course, the power of QCad can be easily realized by most users within a very short time frame. CadStd simply has too many limitations to be considered now that QCad training is available. It took 6-months effort to learn QCad and then develope the required training course; but that effort is now completed and can be found at www.TheCadTrain.com. You will also find a Bonus-CD on the order page.

2. Bonus-CD Updates. (7/24/07) The Bonus-CD is specific to dry stacked block plans only. We expect to add additonal information to the Bonus-CD as time passes, and those additions will be listed here so that previous Bonus-CD owners can order a new Bonus-CD ($3.00 First Class domestic shipping and handling fee) at www.TheCadTrain.com/order. Each update will have a release date, and if your Bonus-CD was received prior to the release date, then you should update.

3. Changes in the "Draw Your Own Plans" Chapter. (7/31/07) As we gain more experience using QCad, important new knowledge will be added here. This particular change has to do with paper size and Current Drawing Preferences Options for QCad. Refer to the Draw Your Own Plans web page for details.

4. Setting window/door openings (08/10/07) for drystacked blocks. We woud suggest that you build a jig which exactly represents the installed window/door rough opening width and height. We also now recommend that you pour the window sill before pouring the window header. By pouring the window sill first (and making sure it is level), then you can prop the window header form boards on the window sill, and the window opening will be square. Refer to the Wall Openings web page for details.

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