DippleStars

Our Observatory






A greenhouse had used to occupy the area to the side of the Observatory.

The shiplap was in poor repair and there was water ingress causing the dome to rot from the inside.

So the decision was made to rebuild


The plot was cleared a
part from the stump for the mount that preferred to stay where it was.

 Fortunately it is not in the way and makes a good base for one of the roof supports.

Here work has started on digging the trench for the footings.



Footings are almost complete and both mount pillars are in place.

Pillars are 10" ducting embedded in 24" cube of concrete. 10" was probably overkill I think 8" would have been suffice.
Tubes are filled with concrete reinforced with a skeleton made from old Dexion.
Wooden dowels were inserted into the top of each for the adaptor mounting plates to be attached.
Ducting from 
http://www.ductstore.co.uk





Timber framed walls were constructed for all sides.

Timber was 3" x 2".

All wood received at least two coats of preservative.


Once all frames were built they were clad with  shiplap which had two coats of preservative all round. Heavy duty polythene was used to ensure that any water which got past the shiplap would get no further.



The rear wall was the largest and took a bit of shifting. Since the rear walls are close to the fence they had another couple of coats of preservative.


All lower walls in place. The open frame at the back will provide a warm area between the two scope areas.


One of the base rings under construction. 10 pieces of 100 x 50 mm timber cut to 650mm long. Biscuit joints and reinforcment blocks to join them together.

A circle was then formed by routing  around the outer edge. 100mm deep plywood was used to form the upstand. Three strips were sandwiched together then glued and screwed to the frame.


3/4" plywood was used for the roof panels.

The ring frame sits on the wall frame. The roof then fits on top of the ring frame. Additional timber framework was used to give additional support to the ring and to the roof.


Ring in place and roof water tight with roofing felt.


Hardboard strips were cut to provide a bearing surface for the wheels. These can be replaced if needed whereas wear to the timber support would be more difficult to repair.
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