Pier Update. UPDATED [pier fabrication complete]

[Astroman]

I couldn't find my old post for some reason so I decided to make a new one :)

I fitted the inner ring to the pier head lastnight, welded it in three places so it wont come off. Decided not to weld the whole way around incase of flexure. The ring has been machined to fit perfectly into the pier base which I am in the process of doing now.

There is still a bit of cleaning up to do on the pier head, mainly cosmetic, ready for it to be powdercoated to prevent it rusting. The whole pier head weighs in at 19kg.

[asimov]

Nice work there Andrew, it's coming along nicely :)

[h0ughy]

That s a great job there Andrew, now just send as is to me ;) and I will look after it for you intil you get your EQ6:thumbsup: :D

[Dennis]

Fine piece of engineering design and work there Andrew. Thanks for the updates and keep 'em coming please.

Cheers

Dennis

[Adrian-H]

that is great work, must be awsome to have a peir, since i cant afford a even a ghetto shead observatory i think that a peir, it would be second best to a observatory, since they dont cost alot to build, but im stuck with one problem, i dont have the tools to build a proper metal one, im sure i could make a concreat stand for a head, i dont think a head made of wood would cut it so well though.

[Astroman]

Adrian, many people just have a cement pier with steel reenforcement inside it, with three threaded rods sticking out the top. I have also head of people using Plywood (although rather thick) for the pier head too, it's only limited by your imagination, and your ability to use what you have.

Yes I am lucky that I can get access to all this stuff, others are not quite so fortunate, but with a bit of mind power anything is possible. Throw a few ideas out and see what you come up with. Remember this forum is here to help too, so others may be able to give you some guidance on the design.

Give it a go, you wont be dissapointed.

[leon]

Andrew is right, thick marine ply works fine and it is very easy to work with.

I have used three quater inch ply for my second peir, insted of steel which is on my first one, it's all in the peir itself, make it as heavy as possible.

[Adrian-H]

will try to think up some idea's for the head, and then give the head a go, if it goes well im sure i can make up a cement base and then ill have myself a peir, what would i want to use for weatherproof coating?

thanks!!

[Jonathan]

Looks good Andrew :thumbsup: I bet you can't wait to get your EQ6 to put on it :)

[Astroman]

I am so itching to get it now Jonathan, its really hard cos I have to wait for the money.

[gbeal]

Instead of steel or metal, perhaps look at a wooden post, treated of course. I have used one about 8" diameter and it worked well. Screwing the mount attachment is easier with wood as well.

[asimov]

That's an excellent idea Gary.

[gbeal]

Thanks Asi. It helps that on the farm here there are miles of wooden posts.
I guess it "could" resonate a little, hence the suggestion of 8", rather than the smaller 6" or4". Just easier to work thats all.

[Astroman]

I will hopefully be bringing the rest of the pier home on Monday night so should have pics of it by Tuesday morning or so. The base is being welded to the tube today by someone a little better than me at welding :)

[Astroman]

You could always have multiple posts joined together, so instead of using one use 4 posts that are bolted together firmly. This should add a little more ridgity to the poles.

[Astroman]

Hi all,

The fabrication of the pier was completed lastnight, all that is left to do now is some cleaning up of some welds, and a trip to the powder coaters.

Measurements:
Base to top measures in at exactly 1000mm. (to take a newtonian)
Base measurement is 400mm x 400mm x 10mm
Tube diameter is 166mm with 6mm wall thickness.

Pier head top measurements are 255mm x 255mm x 40mm (bored to take an EQ6)

[astro_nutt]

Hi adrian!..you can weatherproof concrete by using "bondcrete or pondtite" followed by topcoats:D ..as for timber..any quality oil-rich sealer or even marine varnish will do nicely:thumbsup: ..

Andrew..that is one mean mount!!!..I want one!!

[alandee]

Sweet job there Andrew ! Look forward to seeing the finished result.

[Astroman]

OKay here is a little update, I have been sick recently so havent been able to do as much as I liked. Here is the Tube with all the rust removed ready for the powder coaters.

[ballaratdragons]

Gonna do it White, Astrew?

Looking GOOD!

[Astroman]

Satin Black hopefully Ken :)