xmas obys build

[msh1]

hi all as im off over xmas for a week or so i hope to get my obsy built ,so far i have got a shed setup and running so my scope is outside and im inside all nice and warm so far so good now i want to build a room for the scope im not going to do a concrete pier or anything like that what im thinking is to lay a concrete slab 1.8x1.8x100mm deep put scope tripod on that build up with wood and have a rolling roof on top i cant see that there will be any vibrations etc its not joined to the warm room what do you think ,there is a possibility of departing these shores in the next couple of years so i dont really want a huge lump of concrete in the garden that i would hav to dig up

mark

[VigdisVZ]

Looking forward to pictures of your progress! Best of luck and merry christmas!

[Bizibilder]

Sounds like a good plan for a "temporary" solution.

[msh1]

cheers guys yep will post some pics as we go i got a mate who is a chippy so hes doing the wood side im digging holes and mixing concrete should be fun

mark

merry christmas

[Gina]

Good luck, Happy Christmas and we look forward to seeing photos of your build, please

[r3i]

Best of luck with the project and be sure to keep us updated with your progress - it's always good to read about everyone's observatory build projects. Sounds like you've got a head start if you have a mate who will help with the woodwork.

Merry Christmas to you!

[msh1]

well i dug the hole out for the base the other day its now filled with water ( blumming weather) so its on hold until it stops raining ,could be a long time

[Stargazer33]

Or you have got the start of a lovely swimming pool for the glorious summer that we are going to have next year!

[andyboy1970]

Not easy is it?

I built my OBSY during the summer and it was hot work even if the summer was poor, mixing 350Kgs of concrete by hand was backbreaking but when its all done it well worth it.

[msh1]

at this rate it will be a summer project ive not used my scope for weeks now, tomorrow look clear tho, and i just ordered a pst from flo

[r3i]

at this rate it will be a summer project ive not used my scope for weeks now, tomorrow look clear tho, and i just ordered a pst from flo

Having the same problem here - my build has stalled a little due to the Xmas break and yet more rain and wind.

[msh1]

well a bit of progress today, the shuttering is done and the base layer is down ,tomorrow im making concrete, i would have started it today but realised id underestimated the amount of ballast needed so a quick trip in the morning is needed i ill post a pic when done

mark

[msh1]

some progress at last, my chippy mate cant help at the moment so i took the plunge and started to build frame myself yesterday. got most of it completed and as its clear i thought before i go any further i would try it out first ,and its clear skys at the mo, im going to clad the frame in hardwood ply either 12 or 18 mm thick the RnR roof maybe changed not sure yet im thinking of a hinged lid affair instead as its only 4ft square, the shed next to it is the warm room . i got to put some more timbers into the frame yet

onwards and upwards

mark

[msh1]

i had a very good day today on the obsy i was hoping to get it finished but that didnt happen im nearly there just a couple of lengths of wood to go in ,some preservative needed .

[msh1]

its finished at last now all i need is a clear night to get the scope aligned

[andyboy1970]

Looks just the Job, you will wonder how you ever coped without it.

[msh1]

im already wondering that i got fed up spending 40 mins setting up then the clouds come rolling in ,now roll of roof and im set up and ready to go

[Astrokev]

I'd suggest you keep a really close eye on the wood you've used for the walls of your obs. From the look of it you've used OSB board which, I'm afraid, is not vey good at keeping out the elements, even with a few coats of preservative. I once made a roll-off shed for an EQ mount out of the same material. It was fine for a year or so, then rotted and fell apart! Thick exterior ply may have been a more suitable material.

[Gina]

Shiplap using solid American redwood timber is best obtained from you nearest timber merchant - NOT DIY shops.

[msh1]

it is external board but i was going to clad it at some point soon anyway what timber merchant do you use gina

[Astrokev]

it is external board but i was going to clad it at some point soon anyway what timber merchant do you use gina

Good idea, in which case you may want to consider re-doing the roofing felt over the edge of whatever cladding you use, to prevent water ingress into the gap between the cladding and the board. I know it would be a bit of a hassle, but to be safe, I think I'd remove the OSB and put a better alternative directly onto the frame, with perhaps an internal membrane to keep the interior dry.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Gina]

it is external board but i was going to clad it at some point soon anyway what timber merchant do you use gina

It's just outside Hemyock - forget the name ATM. There must be one nearer to you though.

[msh1]

It's just outside Hemyock - forget the name ATM. There must be one nearer to you though.

i just wondered if it was jewsons or something similar