Pier idea

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

Originally Posted by ZeroID

So how do you do a fine tweaking for level and alignment ?

I created a hole in my pier cylinder as small as possible that allows me to get a spanner in.

I am going to design and build another unit that will hopefully stop the need to get underneath altogether.

https://goo.gl/photos/K8XVvWAxMsCMp6ui6
The picture is not clear on the hole I created. I never took one in that direction but you should be able to see the hole cut only just.

[bugeater (Marty)]

I'm not building in a leveling mechanism. It's not required. Being level will help with drift alignment, but even then, I still don't see the point of building a function into a pier that adds a small convenience, but could undermine the pier's actual function.

My plans are progressing. I've ordered the pool pump shed, a tree in the way has been removed, I've chosen the spot, have identified true south (using solar noon) and have broken ground. I think the ground might break me though - it's rock hard and I can't do much in this heat.

[bugeater (Marty)]

The pier foundation is poured and I've been curing it for the last few days. Took 19 bags of concrete to fill it up. The actual mixing and pouring wasn't too hard. It was the hauling all the bags up the hill that was tough.

I've also received my Absco shed and have assembled each of the panels. I don't think I'd buy their products as a preference in future. What incredibly poor manufacturing. Virtually none of the holes line up, instructions are quite unclear in places and they've provided incorrect parts in places. For example, they say you can bolt the hinges in, but the bolts/screws provided don't recess properly into the hinges, so the hinge can't close fully. It means the frame warps when you close the door. Plus they provide a big bag of bolts and nuts, but the nuts are too large! It's really quite pathetic actually. But I should still be able to get it all together with a bit of messing around.

[bugeater (Marty)]

It continues to progress. The base is pretty much done except for cutting the right sized hole for the pier hatch. Next I just need to dismantle the shed, haul it up the hill and reassemble on the platform. Also need to trim back the tree next to it, but its been providing welcome shade while I've been working.

You can see from the pictures just how sloped the land is. The second photo is from the optimal place to put an observatory at the highest level of the block, but I'm saving that spot for now. Plus it will be harder to build on.

[bugeater (Marty)]

Well the observatory is mostly complete. Really just have to seal any residual gaps and probably paint the outside to seal the yellow tongue that will be exposed to the elements.

I can actually park the scope upright with the roof shut, but it just touches the roof. So I'll park slightly offset to one side. Given I made the pier myself it's not too expensive to make another one (about $70 in steel), if I want one taller or shorter, though it takes a fair bit of time.

As I mentioned in the other thread, the double hinges I made for the roof seem to work quite well.