[wysiwyg (Mark)]

Hi Guys,

Just thought I would put up a post about a semi-portable pier design tha I am currently fabricating.

I say semi portable as it will be fairly chunky. It will basically be transported permanently to a dark sky location and stay there; however I need for it to be mobile to certain degree.

Material used:

Pier: 168 OD (14.3 mm) Wall thickness high carbon steel pipe.
Legs: 75 x 50 mm RHS (5 mm) wall thickness
Brackets: 10 mm + 12mm Steel flat bar cut to shape and welded.
Wheels: Heavy duty Castor wheels (Capacity 60 kg each)

The top of the pier will be machined on a lathe to allow an insert that will have the ability to rotate 360 degrees. It will be locked down with three bolts through the top side of the mount. (See Top Pier Cross Section diagram).

The legs will be on a 19 degree angle, and adjustment bolts will used to raise the rig off the wheels and enable accurate level adjustment.

I will keep this thread up to date as progress continues for any one who is interested. I will also include progress images.

The pier section is now complete, so all is left now is to fabricate the legs.

I have also included my version of an EQ6 saddle plate, I have already got one of these made for my obs, I will need another made for this pier.

Thanks for looking.
Wyzzi