Greenline obs at Testar - thoughts?

[RugbyRene]

Hi all,

Has anyone bought a Grrenline obs from Testar? I know they aren't the cheapest but it's flat packed and can be built by me!

What are peoples experiences.

https://www.testar.com.au/collections/greenline-observatories

Cheers

[AstroViking]

That looks good - far easier to build than doing it all yourself.


Given the kits come with most of the hardware, how do they compare (cost-wise) to a DIY solution? (Thinking that small fittings like bolts, nails, fastenings, etc will add up over the whole project.)


Cheers,
V

[strongmanmike]

There is a video under each observatory, once you click on it, it shows all the bits included in the kit :thumbsup:

Mike

[RugbyRene]

Yeah I watched the build video. Looks relatively easy but my DIY skills might be tested. :)

[iborg]

Hi


I just watched a video as well, doesn't seem too hard.


Mind you, I would stain or paint every surface before assembly, then again after.


I should look into concrete slab prices.


Philip

[JA]

You've got to love the good ol' American-Style log cabin notched corner joinery.

Best
JA

[glend]

These kits are pretty expensive, like triple the cost of my complete medium size roll off roof observatory build ( which included my footings including the pier footing). Much of the cost your seeing in these kits relates to shipping, Inbound GST and the retailers margin. Add on what a concrete trade guy will charge you to dig out and form a slab, and the cost of a footing for your pier.
Sure log type assembly seems easy, but no easier than a typical stud and noggin wall, built to Aus building code. I would be asking about the type of timber used to mill those pieces, is it kiln dried and treated in some way, etc. Still it's your money and I am sure someone will buy one.

[LonelySpoon]

Frankly, for the cost, I'd get onto Stratco.

The metal frame, underfloor and 5omm thick insulated panel walls & roof of my two room 6m x 3m x 2m observatory building was just over $4k from them (4 years ago).

For the cost of the 1.75 you could get a local tradie to make you a gee whizz setup!

[Nikolas]

As others have mentioned the shipping alone adds greatly to the cost for what you could do yourself locally at half that cost if you are good at swinging a hammer, Factor in a concrete slab and council permits depending on the size of the obs.