Quote:
Originally Posted by MrB
Joy!! 
I would go for the grassed area with a good concrete footing. The paved area may be appealing now for its apparent simplicity, but I think you will soon find the pier will be in the way down there. Your pavers, though large, won't have suitable footprint or mass for bolting to directly.
My own pier is on a ~360kg block of concrete which is probably considered on the small side, but is adequate for the small scopes and short focal lengths I work with. |
I work with a 660 mm refractor, might be a good idea reproduce your footing
Quote:
Originally Posted by leon
As mentioned by Simon, definitely into the ground, there is no stability on tiles/paver's.
a decent concrete footing of at least 600mm cubed, or more would do the trick.
Ok, thanks for tip 
Leon |
Quote:
Originally Posted by lazjen
You might be better off with something you can raise/lower (like a sail! ) - since you're probably only going to need it up when there's little wind anyway. |
That's a clever idea, hmmm
Quote:
Originally Posted by g__day
I would do the grassy end near the offending light - and at the least put up a screen to block the offending light - and/or ask the owners of the offending light to instal one with a shade so it only directs light downwards (maybe offer to pay).
You know, I think I might do just that, Thanks
If you wish to put a pier on pavers - do what I did; lift a lot of them, dig a big hole and fill it with cement and as it dries but 18 inch long 1/2 inch wide galvanised bolts into it so they just protrude above the level of the pavers. Then you drill holes thru the four pavers above the bolts and relay all the pavers on the drying cement. This structure should certainly be secure and stable! If you ever want to take your peir and leave the backyard untouched - just lift the four pavers, grind off the bolts and re galvanise their ends with Gal paint - then lay four new (or aged) pavers over them; no one would ever know you had a pier there. |
That's very clever, you guys are amazing!