the yesyes observatory - the build

[yesyes]

It's done! Exactly one month after I started the build I have unveiled the concrete pier this evening.

That's how many screws were in the shuttering!

Small (I hope!) problem with the top of the pier. The concrete has sunk in a bit. Any suggestions how to fix that? Fill it with a rather liquid mix of sand and cement?

[Bizibilder]

Yes - sand and cement will do it, maybe a go a bit "strong" with the cement. Gently pack it down into the voids and smooth off.

[yesyes]

Thanks. A roughly 1:1 mix maybe? Or is that too much cement?

[Bizibilder]

Maybe 3 sand to 1 cement - should do the job.

[yesyes]

thanks again Roger. Will do that tomorrow...

[fwm891]

thanks again Roger. Will do that tomorrow...

Add a little PVA to the mix that will help the bonding

[yesyes]

Aahh... now why didn't I think of that. Done it on Tuesday already.

Looks like this now:

[Astrokev]

Looking good Chris.

Unfortunately, not much progress with my build . Too busy at work of late, and getting ready for our holidays at the end of next week.

[yesyes]

Not much progress recently. I've come down with a flu. I'm getting better now and I'm back at work today.

I did manage to finalise the Sketchup drawing for the obsy and should be able to compile a list of timber I need this week. I'll post the drawing in the planning thread for discussion...

[Gina]

Get well soon Chris

[Astrokev]

Look forward to seeing your sketchup model, and hope you soon get back to full fitness to continue with your great build.

[George]

Aahh... now why didn't I think of that. Done it on Tuesday already.

Looks like this now:

A nice bit of polished wood hides many sins

[yesyes]

I might need many nice bits of polished wood for the build... ;-)

[faulksy]

I might need many nice bits of polished wood for the build... ;-)

sure you wont, doing a great job

[yesyes]

Quick update....

Not much happening with the actual build at the moment. I finalised the design in Sketchup (see my planning thread), created a list of timber I need and will get quotes for it tomorrow. Hopefully it will then get delivered next week so that I can continue building the weekend after next.

[yesyes]

another update...

I ordered the timber today for delivery on Thursday.

[faulksy]

nice one, look foward to some pics the week end then

[fwm891]

nice one, look foward to some pics the week end then

Should be finished this weekend - can't blame the poor weather this week !

Don't over do it Chris - plenty of cold beer

[yesyes]

Unfortunately I will only have time on Sunday. But should be some progress. I'm hoping to get the main frame ready, maybe some of the floor joists...

I don't like beer, cider for me... ;-)

[yesyes]

suddenly... TIMBER! ;-)

[Lonestar70]

Hi Chris,

Hope you are feeling a lot better after your recent ailment.

Talk about 'De Ja Vu'... ... I have clear recollections of a similar LARGE pile of timber.

One things for sure... you will work up a good sweat cutting that lot up... and will make short work of any remaining flu virus :grin:

Hope you have got a good circular saw... or mitre saw... wouldn't want to cut all that up wih a hand saw

With luck the weather will hold out long enough for you to get the main frame built... or more.

Keep happy.

Sandy.

[yesyes]

Oh yes, the flu is long gone, only lasted a few days... thanks for asking...

The pile looks a lot bigger than I had expected. I had to pile it all up there because I need the patio for a big BBQ party tomorrow. Will have to shift the timber again to be able to start building. There will be a lot of shifting required because the garden is very small.

I bought a hand-held circular saw with 65mm cutting depth just for this project. I've also got a mitre circular saw for free from someone who had it lying around on their loft. That has an even bigger blade than the hand-held one. I hope I'll be alright with that...

[tony]

you need to get that lot put together, dont have the bbq too close

[yesyes]

Not nearly as much progress as I had hoped (but the BBQ last night was worth it )

I managed to glue and screw together 2 pairs of the 4.80m 2x6" joists for the long sides of the main frame.

Then I had to move all the timber back onto the patio to have it off the building site. I was then too exhausted in this heat to do anything else.

[tony]

at least you've made a start, its been hot here too but really windy which has slowed me up a bit.