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  #141  
Old 02-02-2013, 05:43 AM
bloodhound31
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Got the silicone into all the joints and sealed it all up over the last couple of days. Today we had another big thunderstorm which was a great test.

I went inside during the downpour to look for leaks. I found one dripping through on the skirt, which I marked and will plug later when it dries. Also half a dozen other tiny drops which I also marked for sealing later. That should just about do it! The inside of the dome was 99.8% dry after the thunderstorm, so it's looking MUCH better!

Baz.
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  #142  
Old 05-02-2013, 07:25 PM
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This week our friend and family electrician spent some good hours in the observatory with me, planning the lighting, powerpoints and distribution board. The cabling has now all been run, ready to connect all the hardware.

As well, this week I got a lovely $50 donation from a Canberra local, which I was able to spend at Fletcher Insulation in Hume on a few bags to insulate from heat and sound. It is instantly cool in there now and OOOHHHHH SOOOO QUIET!!

Full construction page here.
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  #143  
Old 14-03-2013, 06:27 PM
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Picked up the wood today for building the staircase from the bottom to the top floor of the observatory. Beautifully seasoned and STRAIGHT cypress.

Can't wait to start working it!
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  #144  
Old 14-03-2013, 06:39 PM
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Nice choice of timber Barry!
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  #145  
Old 15-03-2013, 10:47 AM
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I agree with Matt

Nice looking timber Baz
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  #146  
Old 16-03-2013, 12:48 AM
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Can I visit Downton next week?
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  #147  
Old 16-03-2013, 12:56 AM
bloodhound31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kunama View Post
Nice choice of timber Barry!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ric View Post
I agree with Matt

Nice looking timber Baz
Thanks Matt and Ric. I agree, I was fortunate!

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Can I visit Downton next week?
By all means my friend!
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  #148  
Old 19-03-2013, 08:18 PM
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Sorry it's been a while since my last update. Lots of building materials have arrived so it looks like I'm going to be a very busy boy for a few weeks now! Here's what's happening:

Inside fitout begins.

It's been a big week for the observatory this week. I was able to purchase the thin plywood interior wall panelling and even cut some to size and fitted two sheets.

I tested a corner of the cypress slabs I picked up last week by belt-sanding them with some 40 grit to get the saw-marks out of it, then rubbed some raw linseed oil into the test-patch to see the colour. The yellow-gold natural colour takes on a rich red-gold.

I applied by letter to my local government for a large log that one of their services had a stockpile of. To my delight, they approved and happily donated a log.

I found a magnificent pine log, well seasoned with the bark just falling off it. It is my intention to cut it four ways down the length, to cut a post out of the middle of it. The post will be kept aside while the rounded slices will sandwich around the centre pier downstairs, making the pier look like a big tree-trunk. This will then be sanded and rubbed with raw linseed oil, as will the stairs and handrails.

Link to construction page here.
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  #149  
Old 20-03-2013, 05:27 PM
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1. Big sanding job! Got one slab of cypress de-barked and sanded down at lunch time. Look at the comparison with the sanded and unsanded slabs!

Debarked and sanded on top and both sides. Ready to make stairs!
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  #150  
Old 23-03-2013, 10:56 PM
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1. Sanding down the cypress slabs

2. All six sanded ready to build stairs.

3. Eucalypt deadwood handrail.

4. Handrail on tread

5. Wall panels in. Trims, skirts and architraves to go.
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  #151  
Old 24-03-2013, 02:48 PM
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Love that first picture, GO Baz.

I also love what your doing with the stairs, can't wait to see the finished product.

Cheers
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  #152  
Old 24-03-2013, 08:23 PM
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Love that first picture, GO Baz.

I also love what your doing with the stairs, can't wait to see the finished product.

Cheers
Not ready for official opening night yet, but taking visitors already mate! Hint hint....

Baz.
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  #153  
Old 27-03-2013, 10:33 AM
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I'll definitely have to drop around and be inspired.

Cheers
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  #154  
Old 30-03-2013, 05:55 PM
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1. Cut the hole through the inside and outside walls to fit the tubing for the air conditioner. Cut some steel mesh to size and fitted inside to keep the insects out. Sealed with silicone.

2. Built a small roof over the air-con outlet to stop rain from entering the tube.

3. Air-con fitted into the wall.
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  #155  
Old 24-04-2013, 12:34 PM
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Quick update.

I poured a concrete path to lead into the observatory off the main path.

I've been collecting bits of wood on the job at opportune trees we remove or prune. It's taking some time, but I've got some nice bits for handrails and banister. I still need three posts 2.6 metres x 100-150 mm in diameter for the stairs.

Getting there.

Baz.
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  #156  
Old 03-05-2013, 12:04 PM
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I like the little path Baz.

Now you need a shrubbery, one on each side to produce a two level effect.

Sorry Baz, that was a Monty Python moment I couldn't resist.

Cheers
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  #157  
Old 03-05-2013, 05:10 PM
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I like the little path Baz.

Now you need a shrubbery, one on each side to produce a two level effect.

Sorry Baz, that was a Monty Python moment I couldn't resist.

Cheers
A SCHWUBBEWEE!! At this time of year!?

I've got to dig a garden bed all around the obs, put in some ag-pipe for drainage next to the slab and plant some schwubs.... way ahead of ya buddy!

Baz.
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  #158  
Old 04-05-2013, 07:50 PM
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I've run out of money (looks like for quite a while now) so all I can do is the jobs that cost nothing. Today I sanded down another log for the stair supports then started digging the garden bed. The quality of the dirt is rubbish so I'll have to get rid of it and replace it with some good soil. I also have to dig two trenches in it, one for the drainage pipe near the wall to lay in, plus another on the outside of the bed to run a row of rocks in for the edge.

1. Sanded down log for stair support

2. removed the lawn and weeds to expose the bare clay.

3. Digging in the trench near the slab's edge for the drainage pipe.

4. Starting to lay in the rock edge.
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  #159  
Old 11-05-2013, 06:36 PM
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Got busy today and dug the trenches all the way around for the drainage pipe and a row of border rocks.

Started on cutting the underlay to size for the obs and laid it in on the top floor, ready for carpet tomorrow.

1. Garden bed

2. My home-made compass for drawing big circles...

3. Underlay cut to size

4. Relax'n with an ale at the end of the day on the quiet underlay.
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  #160  
Old 11-05-2013, 06:39 PM
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It looks awesome Baz, well done.
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