start to finish ROR

soundworthy (Michael) · #1 25-08-2015, 12:53 PM

Hi all,
So this is my diy backyard obsy.
It’s a standard type ROR with some nice features that fit nicely into the only space in our tiny backyard.
Due to multiple factors, I had to do some things backwards, like laying a slab with a hole in the slab but no hole dug under it.
So the Slab was put in but the hole was actually dug a year latter.
Without going into the gory details, it just had to happen that way.
So it was a bit tricky but I got the hole dug one meter deep and 550 sq at the opening and then tapering off in all four directions another 2-300.
We slammed some star pickets a further meter below the bottom of the hole and whatever concrete mesh and rebar I could find and,
I built a cage with 16mm threaded rods with a sheet metal base and MDF as the jig for the threaded rods.
The Pier I got mad up locally and decided to go overkill on the design, just so I can upgrade to a big mount & scope one day.
300mm diameter, 16mm base plate.
We wanted it to look good so we went with some nice timber and western red cedar cladding.

Had the grand opening last Saturday night
Lots of ooos and ahhhs due to the silent and smooth glide of the roof.

http://soundworthy.com.au/spaceworthy.html

Dealy (Kev) · #2 25-08-2015, 05:40 PM

That's a lovely obs you've got there Michael

Looks great, the pier does look like an overkill but hey, bigger is better.

Is that a doggy door I see?

Kev

Somnium (Aidan) · #3 25-08-2015, 10:40 PM

Well done, it looks fantastic, I am sure it will serve you well for many years to come

h0ughy (David) · #4 25-08-2015, 11:25 PM

wow you did a great job.

small point to note - make sure you use tie downs for when its open and when its closed. you can never underestimate the wind

soundworthy (Michael) · #5 26-08-2015, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dealy

That's a lovely obs you've got there Michael

Looks great, the pier does look like an overkill but hey, bigger is better.

Is that a doggy door I see?

Kev

Thanks, Yep its overkill for now but when i get a huge mount and heavy scope it won't look so small,,

and yes it's a pet flap thats for the cat, after all we built the house for him and as far as he's concerned he owns everything so i thought it best he has his own private entrance.

soundworthy (Michael) · #6 26-08-2015, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by h0ughy

wow you did a great job.

small point to note - make sure you use tie downs for when its open and when its closed. you can never underestimate the wind

Yep i'm using turnbuckles at each corner for when parked in home position.
I haven't had the need for any when its open as we don't really get any wind from that direction, (heavy residential),
So now that i've said that I'll have to go and put some in, famous last words and all that.

Here's a more detailed timeline
http://soundworthy.com.au/spaceworthy.html

soundworthy (Michael) · #7 26-08-2015, 06:56 AM

I'm pretty happy with the pier,
i managed to get the slab and pier combo perfectly level so no need for any level adjustment, and the azimuth course adjustment work perfectly.
http://soundworthy.com.au/spaceworthy.html

Ric · #8 26-08-2015, 09:10 AM

Excellent work on the Obs Michael, it looks a beauty.

As an owner of two cats I'm glad to see you have accepted your place in the cat world.

soundworthy (Michael) · #9 26-08-2015, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ric

Excellent work on the Obs Michael, it looks a beauty.

As an owner of two cats I'm glad to see you have accepted your place in the cat world.

could not have put it better, it's my wife's cat, Yes I've had to yield to the passive aggressive ways of the feline.

strongmanmike (Michael) · #10 27-08-2015, 10:53 PM

Great job Michael, looks really good and enjoyed the slide show and time lapse too

Mike

soundworthy (Michael) · #11 28-08-2015, 07:42 AM

Thanks mike,
I had a good time building it too.
It was a most satisfying experience.
A wonderfull sence of completion followed by onward & upward to look forward too.

deanm (Dean) · #12 28-08-2015, 01:01 PM

From the second photo, it's reassuring that you were equipped with that essential construction element, 'The Builder's Crack'!!

Dean

soundworthy (Michael) · #13 29-08-2015, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deanm

From the second photo, it's reassuring that you were equipped with that essential construction element, 'The Builder's Crack'!!

Dean

Aka "the coin slot"
That's my mate, he had the building knowledge, I had the plan, he worked out how to implement it and I assisted.
I'm the shorter stumpy one.
Better pics here
http://soundworthy.com.au/spaceworthy.html