Telescope Reviews: My Dome Observatory

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Equipment Discussions >> Observatories

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csa/montana
Den Mama

Reged: 05/14/05

Loc: montana

Re: My Dome Observatory - Construction Log new

[Re: Canada_LX10]
#5711102 - 03/03/13 05:51 PM

A lot of cutting; but you certainly managed to get it done, and the ring looks great!

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Canada_LX10
member

Reged: 09/18/12

Loc: Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, ...

Re: My Dome Observatory - Construction Log new

[Re: Canada_LX10]
#5719009 - 03/07/13 06:28 PM

Hi everyone. I have not been working on the observatory build as of late but I am starting again.

We had a huge dump of snow and I spent hours on the tractor snow blowing it. The wife got stuck on the rural roads the next day so she ended up staying home that day after I towed her out with the truck. The snow was drifted up so high and thick. They took 3 days to plow our roads because of the amount and slow progress. So that was a bit of distraction to building.

No photos today but I did sand the inside of the base ring so that the roller wheels will roll nice. Tonight I am going to cut and glue the second base ring. After that I should have more photos to share.

Keep checking back as this project is not stalled.

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nytecam
Postmaster

Reged: 08/20/05

Loc: London UK

Re: My Dome Observatory - Construction Log new

[Re: Canada_LX10]
#5719871 - 03/08/13 05:40 AM

Quote:

Cutting out the rough ribs. Used the jig saw to rough cut, then a router will trim them up to the final shape.

Interesting - your base ring and ribs from the same cut. Just for others considering such a project I find structurally the ribs [in vertical position] can be about half your size relative to the base ring, and whilst neat, it isn't essential to make the second cut to the inside edge within the dome. This saves by halving the total number of cuts. Hope you didn't mind the suggestion here

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averen
Vendor Main Sequence Software

Reged: 01/20/09

Loc: Austin TX

Re: My Dome Observatory - Construction Log new

[Re: nytecam]
#5720387 - 03/08/13 12:03 PM

Quote:

I find structurally the ribs [in vertical position] can be about half your size relative to the base ring, and whilst neat, it isn't essential to make the second cut to the inside edge within the dome. This saves by halving the total number of cuts. Hope you didn't mind the suggestion here

I agree with the above. Doing the extra cut does make them look nicer, but it's faster to just trim the top to size. That's what I ended up doing on my dome. Here you can see the rib on the left with the 2 cuts, and the ribs on the right each with a single cut. The inside cut of one rib forms the outside cut of the next.

Jared

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Mary B
Vendor - Echo Astronomy and Electronics

Reged: 05/21/10

Loc: Minnesota

Re: My Dome Observatory - Construction Log new

[Re: averen]
#5720838 - 03/08/13 04:56 PM

I need a laser cutter with a 12 foot bed.... could cut ribs that way

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Canada_LX10
member

Reged: 09/18/12

Loc: Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, ...

Re: My Dome Observatory - Construction Log new

[Re: Mary B]
#5721009 - 03/08/13 06:42 PM

If you wanted to pay the setup fee...most water jet places would probably cut it. They don't care what material they cut... wood or metal...doesn't matter.

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roscoe
curmudgeon

Reged: 02/04/09

Loc: NW Mass, inches from VT

Re: My Dome Observatory - Construction Log [Re: Canada_LX10]
#5721755 - 03/09/13 08:17 AM

A trick worth trying is to cut the rings with a radius arm on either a jigsaw or a router with a panel cutting bit in it - the set-up would be the same as the 'compass' you used to draw the pattern piece. If you want the edges smoother, you can sandwich the completed cuts of ply and belt-sand them.
And, as suggested above, most urban areas offer both water-jet and laser cutting services, you can usually have the stock delivered directly to the shop, so no need to haul a dozen sheets of ply on the roof of the car.......
Russ

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Canada_LX10
member

Reged: 09/18/12

Loc: Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, ...

Re: My Dome Observatory - Construction Log new

[Re: Canada_LX10]
#5726196 - 03/11/13 03:58 PM Attachment (12 downloads)

Base ring completed. It does come apart into 2 halves so I can get it out of the basement.

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Bob Griffiths
Getting Grouchy

Reged: 10/10/05

Loc: Frederick Maryland

Re: My Dome Observatory - Construction Log new

[Re: Canada_LX10]
#5726615 - 03/11/13 07:01 PM

I still would spend another 10 bucks or less and put an additional spacer between the ones you already have... Overkill .. well maybe...maybe not ... especially over time

Bob G.

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Canada_LX10
member

Reged: 09/18/12

Loc: Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, ...

Re: My Dome Observatory - Construction Log new

[Re: Canada_LX10]
#5739122 - 03/17/13 05:01 PM Attachment (10 downloads)

Today's work...

The base ring with the extra spacer blocks (doubled the number). I just have to fasten them on this side as the battery in the cordless pooped out.

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Canada_LX10
member

Reged: 09/18/12

Loc: Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, ...

Re: My Dome Observatory - Construction Log new

[Re: Canada_LX10]
#5739127 - 03/17/13 05:03 PM Attachment (12 downloads)

More...

The main inner slit arcs are rough cut and ready for the router table. Once these are done there are two inner and much thinner slit arcs to make. Then the focus will turn the the arcs for the sides.

So far the plywood sheet tally is at two sheets. The left over piece is that curved piece (upper right) in the second photo which should make a couple of the thinner arcs. I am pleased with the wood use and scraps. The waste is very little. Spacers were made from little scrap bits I had floating around but if you had to buy a 2x4...one piece would do them all. I am keeping a cost tally and spreadsheet of materials bought/used. I will post a final tally of cost and materials when completed.

Now the construction is going to take a more vertical approach. Should start looking like dome soon!

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