Scavenge A Strong Fence

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A CABLE CORRAL

Back at the farm, we measured the area of our would-be corral . . . cut some heavy poles from our woodlot ... applied preservative to the portions that would be buried in the ground . . . and got busy put ting the uprights in place. The fenceposts were spaced eight feet apart (measured from the center of one to the center of the next) and set three feet into the earth. Once that was done, we spiked top rails from post to post . . . to provide extra stability and eye appeal.

Next, a trusty old hand auger was used to drill 3/4-inch holes through the wooden uprights, at one-inch intervals, from top to bottom. We then ran lengths of cable through the holes . .. attached them to heavy eyebolts on the pole that would serve as one side of our future gate . .. and laced them into turnbuckles at the far side of the pen. It took only a few twists of the tighteners to make the lines taut . . and that sure beats stretching stubborn barbed wire!

To complete the animal enclosure, we added gates made of split rails and lumber scraps . . . then turned our critters into their new home.

The heavy cable fence is strong, pleasing to look at, and—most important— safe for our equine and bovine friends. It was also easier, and less time-consuming, to install than conventional fencing would have been. And, if you build one, you may well find that a recycled fence saves you enough money to buy a new cow, pony, horse, steer, donkey, buffalo, or llama to put into your now protected pasture!

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