IF I were a weaker individual I would have given up several times. IF I were a individual overly available to frustration I would have given up several times.
I don’t quit. Something life, and particularly, being a Marine instilled in me. Quitters die.
That’s not to say this wasn’t a right PIA, it was. And, it’s fought me ever step of the way. Mostly due to this being an existing structure that someone has already messed around in.
I’m stopping for tea and then I’m getting back at it. I’m going to at least get the ladder completely installed and function - that includes shortening the legs. I knew when I bought this attic ladder that it was made for a taller space. My space is much smaller than what they described. I figure IF I could cut it to make the smaller space they designate I can surely cut it more than that. I’m almost to that point.
I didn’t have any 2x6 material. I had to make some. The Festool TS-75 and Guide Rails excel at this task. Lay that Splinter Guard on the line and that is exactly where it cuts!
When I said earlier that the old vertical support could stay. I was wrong. I made a mistake. Another episode of “What The Hell Was I Thinking!!!” 
I cut it away. Note that I cut it with a hand saw. There was no pressure on the blade at any time through the cut. That means there was zero load on that support. (wait till you see how I’m going to reach the peak to screw it in place! 
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On the far end of the attic ladder rough in, it was too narrow. Too narrow by 1/2 inch 
A little off topic, I bought some “Parallel” woodworking clamps some time ago. These clamps are different then ALL other Parallel woodworking clamps. These Ehoma clamps have handles that can rotate 90° providing extra leverage in the clamp, whether “spreading” or “clamping”. First I had to spread the opening to make room for the header, then clamp the opening on that header. I found them only at #Woodcraft.
Then the big step, reclaiming 5.5sf of loft space! Getting that beast up into the attic by myself. They say it’s a ‘two man’ job. PFFT! They don’t know anything! . They didn’t account for one determined WhiteHotAfterburner! Okay, I admit, it would have been a little easier IF I had another person helping! 
I had to get this…up there ^ ^ ^ !
I opened the box and see this. The door isn’t fitting in the frame properly…
IF I have to return this thing, I am jamming it right up somebodies ass! Not a joke!
Then at this point I realize the “Strong-Back” someone (someone helping my niece) someone put up there that they NEVER attached this end to ANYTHING is in my way. I used my body to lift it up enough to get a 12 inch wedge under it.
This is the North end of this Tits-On-A-Bull Strong-Back! Just swinging in the breeze. I’m pretty sure whose work this is. I may or may not bring it up with them. I actually like the person and I know they were just trying to help out. They’re good people! But, this was a wasted of time and money.
I got it up there!!! 
I got it in place!
Now I had to fit it into its space…
It’s not setting down right…
This tiny bit of sawing slag was holding it up. You know like the stuff you can get at the end of a saw cut…just a little bit of material that’s hanging on…
Then finally seated! Not screwed in place yet. I had to get some caffeine in me!
I’ll see ya when I’m swinging that ladder! 
IF you have a tough job that needs to get done find you a WhiteHotAfterburner!
Add Edit: I forgot. I did something to the ballast or the cord or something, I’m not really sure. But, I’m there working away and I hear a noise. A sizzling noise. I look down and I see the light fixture end of the light, the part of the light fixture that plugs into the ballast sparking and starting to smoke and just as I’m grabbing the cord to unplug it the light went out. I was sure I destroyed the light system. I waited twice the recommended 5 minutes and plugged it back in and it worked. I think I may have inadvertently half-way unplugged it and the electricity was arcing between the prongs. It may have been some debris making the short, but I don’t think that was it…it is a possibility!
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WHAB
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I had to get up and down a couple more times than I stated 
On one of those trips I actually looked up from the top of the step stool to see if I can reach the peak to screw the new vertical support up and I can’t. I’m about 6 inches short of reaching it fully stretched out. Gonna need something like a 6 step step stool to get up there enough to put some weight behind the driver. I ‘may’ have to build a box to put the step stool on. But, I did get the horizontal support up in place allowing me to remove the angled support to put the attic ladder in place.
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My living room looks similar right now. I’m doing some rehab on my 1910 house, and installing some library shelving in the sitting room.
And that old wooden plane! I’ve got some of those in way worse condition. Made my own plane with shaper knives.
🪵:call_me_hand:
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