The next task was to dig the holes for the gate posts. These had to be very accurately positioned and were dug to a depth of about 600mm, which was considered the minimum necessary. The part of each post that was to be below ground level was treated with 3 coats of Ecosote.
The cross beams and corbels were then cut (see Plans) and were fitted through the posts and pinned using large oak pegs. With the corbels screwed into the cross beams, this provided a sufficiently rigid structure.
Then it was time to erect the posts (which were now quite heavy!). An interesting trick that worked very well was to use a folding work bench to grip the post while a ready-mixed post-fixing product was poured into the hole. This meant that the post set in exactly the desired position and orientation and was perfectly vertical.
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