Pier head

[Glider]

A few weeks back I bought an EQ5 tripod head from AstroBoot for a tenner. I'm hoping this will make a good pier head.

I've just got around to milling and drilling some mounting blocks.

My idea is to attach the head to a concrete filled 6" plastic pipe(as people do) using 3 off 50cm long lengths of 12mm threaded bar.

Where do people source their 6" pipe?

[Doc]

Nice one matey looks the bizz.

[Glider]

Yes, I made the blocks as you suggested, much better than my idea.

[yesyes]

Do you mean this kind of pipe?

160mm X 3mtr Plastic Drainage Pipe on eBay (end time 01-Jul-10 08:31:23 BST)

[Glider]

Oh yes, why couldn't I find that.

[MarkF]

I can't believe its so hard to find this size pipe, I just did a google and nothing really showed up. Thinking outside the box though I do have a rigid flue pipe in the loft still in situ from when our boiler was internal, now its fitted in the garage on an outside wall. Need to see what it is made of either galvanised or stainless, may well do for my pier if I ever get around to doing it.

[yesyes]

Don't buy all of their stock, please... I'll need one in a few months to build my own obs.... ;-))

[AlanB]

Got mine from here:

Toolstation > Structural > 160mm Underground > 3M Plain End Pipe

inc next day delivery - ok, the price is higher but when you take into account the Postage the other guys charging its almost the same. And you buy some of the other bits and pieces you're bound to need and not pay more p&p

Just need to get round to figuring out where exactly to put my obs and start digging the hole

Alan

[Glider]

I'm going to use M12 studding, 3 off 1m lengths sunk into the concrete before it goes off. I can get a 3m length for £5, mild steel, bright zinc plated.

I'm assuming the plating makes it good for outside, it'll be covered from direct rain anyway?

[Bizibilder]

Treat the "bare" ends with something like "Jenolite" - a rust preventative. Or use a dab of paint on the bare metal.

If you use studding (threaded rod) make sure you put a bend in it that is held within the setting concrete - this will lock it into place.

My own BZP studding has been in place for over six months and is fine - just has a dab of hammerite on the bare ends.

[beamish]

Hya Glider,

just caught this thread-great idea, can you confirm that the EQ5 head you bought will accommodate the HEQ5, since it may just solve a problem .

[Glider]

Yes, I've mated the 2 together and it fits.

[gary1968]

Nice one Glider, and a good modification to an existing part. Keep the threaded rod above the concrete as short as possible mate, I would be concerned with flex in the rods with the weight of a full rig on it. I use M16 in my Pier Tops and that seems upto the job. I maybe just a worry wart but it might be worth considering before you set the rods in.

But as I said, a great idea......

Gary

[beamish]

Yes, I've mated the 2 together and it fits.

XLNT , many thanks !

just need to find one now

[Psychobilly]

A very cost effective way of doing it

You just got to love the "boot"....

Peter...