Hello All,

Since my last post, I have made some progress on the observatory. I have a website... it's not a jewel but it is up and running.
Here is the address.

www.tombstone-az-taho.com

Later,

Dennis

You're welcome to post pics here as well...

Hi, Dennis! It looks like you used the "L" shaped (in cross section) dome retention ring segments as wheel track.
I had been thinking of doing this myself, but I see now that I need the retention ring in place at the bottom of the skirt to stiffen and "circularize" the skirt of my dome.
BTW, how much did your wheels cost and where did ya get them?
Rich

Hi Richard,

Yes I used the hold down retainer rings for my rollers to ride in. Since I elected not to build the ring, I cut 3 1/2 inches off the skirt so it would not rub/interfere with the 2x4's that the rollers are fastened on.

I purchased the rollers from castercity.com the have any roller style you are looking for. I think I paid about $2.75 ea. They are a soft rubbered 5" OD rated for 280 lb load w/6" overall height.

Dennis

Nice job....It's good to see someone "thinking outside the box".

That's one of the real neat things about the ED, it does not have to be all one way, and we each get to exercise our thought processes should we decide to do so.

Steve,

Not only was I thinking out of the box... time and materials was a factor also. The retaining ring comes with the ED, so that saved some bucks by not purchasing the roller/track kit and the ring materials. Another real deal was the fact of gaining about 6" of dome height by building a ring. My plans call for a 6' ceiling, the pier, top plate and the wedge overall height was set for 14 degrees of viewing above the horizon w/the lower door opened. At my latitude that is the South swing through limit for my Meade 12" LX200. Anyway... I moving along. Yesterday I purchase the studs for the wall(s) construction.

I revised my web site pics today... they are much easier with the addition of a "thumb nail".

www.tombstone-az-taho.com

Take care!

Dennis

Hello all,

Progress is being made. Framing was completed yesterday... this evening the siding will be attacked.

Have changed the web site's navigation and up-loaded new pics

www.tombstone-az-taho.com

Take care,

Dennis


(EDIT: Made URL clickable)

Dennis...Sweet! Great job!

What are your skies like? Is NM getting light polluted?

Rob
GOMOC

Dennis,

Looking really good! Nice job!

If you have time, it would be fun if you post some of your build photos here. We all like to talk about the builds as they progress!

Congratulations on making good progress on your build!

Dave

Dave,

I would love to post some of the progress pics here. But, I don't know how! and I only have landline dial-up ISP service its slower than you know what.

Yesterday we attacked the siding and made some progress. Finishing the siding Saturday.

Thank for the complement,

Dennis

www.tombstone-az-taho.com

Posting pics has gotten easier here you just have to make the size very small if you want multiple images. (There is a 100k limit per post I think.) right below the box I'm typing in right now there is a box called "attachments" on the right there is a "Browse" button. Click it and a box will pop up allowing you to select a file from your computer. once selected you have to click the "Upload" button. an indicator thingy will pop up until the upload is complete. Then just select the file you uploaded from the "Manage Current Attachments" Drop menu that is right above the Browse and upload buttons and it puts the file into your post. Bam! your done.

Just checked out your pics on your site. Everything looks like it's coming together very nice! Great Idea to anchor your building.

And Rob, Tombstone is in ARIZONA! NOT nm.

Strgzr,

Thank you very much for the explantion on post pics... I'm glad on hearing that the posting pics has gotten easer.
Here goe's a try on posting a pic.

Framing is completed, yesterday the siding was started. Should have the siding finished Sat.


Click to view attachment


Thanks Strgrz!

Dennis

www.tombstone-az-taho.com

Wow...sorry for the big pic. I should have resized it!

Dennis

Thats It!
I usually try to stay at 500 pixels the long way and use Photoshop to optimize them for the web. But as long as you stay under 100k you should be fine!

Image size is OK... But not to fill up your quota too quick, you may want to "Compress" the jpg to a smaller "File size". I typically use about 15% compression. The same image, same size, would be about half the file-size as yours...


Oh, and Nice work so far!

Click to view attachment

OSB sheathing completed and the roof/beam assembly is secured with hurricane ties. The roofing over hang extents 13" beound the outside walls. Yellow pine beams and the blocking will not be painted... I love the looks of yellow pine.

More views of the TAHO work in progress on the web site.

www.tombstone-az-taho.com

Dennis

Denis: How much did it cost (Materials and labor) to get that Pier Plate made?

Hi Neo,

The plate T&M with a 1/16"x12"OD sheet of HDPE was $285.00 (last year) FOB Tucson, AZ. I was going to go with a well known plate supplier in UT, but, his plate only had HALF of the mounting bolts for my Mitty wedge. And his plate is $400.00 + shipping.

Marcos is the contact at the following email address... I did verything with him via email e,g., sent him my drawing etc. GOOD honest machine shop!

If you contact him... tell him Dennis in Tombstone suggested him.

marcos@lindelengineering.com


Later,

Dennis

The Well known being "Dan's Pier Plates"....

I haven't checked any local shops yet, just trying to get more info...

I found a source (or 2) for the plate... A 12x12, 1.5" plate of "Machine Tool Grade" aluminum would cost me just over 100... I have my plans already done up doing a 3/4 circle, leaving one corner on for the Slot for the wedge. So if I can get a shop to do the work for another 100, that would be great! It's only a few holes, with some being tapped...

[font="Arial Black"][/font][size="3"][/size]Painting HDPE


Click to view attachment


In regard to painting HDPE… I wanted to paint the inside of my ED black. I used some pieces of PE that I cut off of the skirt as paint/coating test strips. Tried all types of spray paint, the one that seemed the best was, “Rust-Oleum” Cold Galvanizing Compound. It stuck best of all then the other spray paint, BUT it lifted when scratched.

I had some left over liquid “Asphalt Roof Coating” that I sealed my rain gutters with last year. Bingo!! I thought this is it. It stuck. But it took a few days to harden and it had a shiny finish. I then purchased a can of “Henry” 107 Asphalt Emulsion. This stuff really stuck and it has a flat black finish with no petroleum smell. So the “Henry” 107 is going to be applied to the inside of my ED.

The pic shows each product with the test results below the cans.


Dennis


www.tombstone-az-taho.com

I'm wondering how it'll hold up to scuffing and other forms of abuse... I'll be following your test with baited breath (Yuck! That tastes awful!)
Rich

Richard,

The test in regard to testing on paint/coating etc is done... the ED is getting the Henry 107 coating. I don't know what you mean by scuffing and other forms of abuse. I don't plan on hitting the inside of the ED or other abuse. In my case, I have a 6' ceiling so nothing is going to be interfering/rubbing/abusing the inside.

Dennis

www.tombstone-az-taho.com

I'm waiting on that report about using the Truck bed paint-on lining..

I'm only thinking about the paint flaking that Pete Peterson had. I thought that some scuffing attempts might make it flake (or not) and show us how tough the coating is. I wouldn't expect that there would be any physical contact with the paint job when it's in use. Sounds like this is a good coating, dull finish and dark.
Rich

You know...I used the same type of paint that Pete used. I painted a two foot swath on each side of the slot last fall. I put on one thin coat, that left the finish black all over, but during the day, a hint of white shows thru in places. I put it on thin, thinking sevaral coats would be better than one. I've yet to put the second coat on. The inside of the dome around the slot is plenty dark enough at night. The paint has stuck, IF I scrape it with a knife it will come off, but I don't plan on scraping it often.

Hmmm... Then maybe it was as Pete himself suggested, that it was the dampness that compromised his bond.
Rich

I've been using Krylon Fusion ultra flat. The flaking the first time around was attributed to applying the paint in the cold and damp. It was lack of surface preparation the second time. After waiting 5 weeks for delivery I just noticed that this third case is Flat, not Ultra Flat. Anyway, surface preparation seems to be the key. Things have been busy so I haven't tried it yet. Krylon says sand the surface to roughen it, and then clean it off with paint thinner. Dan suggests hitting it with a torch.

I did test an area with the Home Depot paint that Dick Rhodes reported success with, and it didn't flake. But when accidently bumped it chipped off big time. The Home Depot guy told me that there was a natural adhesion problem with flat black paints, and their paint was a 2 coating system.

As soon as workload permits I'll sand the whole interior down and run some test patches with the two recommended methods.

If the problem is only with "Flat", then what about 2 coats.. One NON-Flat, followed by a flat overcoat?

That's the Home Depot solution.

Krylon didn't suggest that with their paint though.

Well according to the commercials, Krylon doesn't require any PREP either... And we know that is wrong...

Inside of the ED has had it's 2nd coat of the Henry 107... will finish up the coating and touch-up after the ED is installed tomorrow 16-May. Assembled a quick ramp for a little easier lift for the two friends that are showing up at 0630 on helping me on the dome lift. The height of the lift from ground level is 7'.6".

Click to view attachment

It looks good! And I'm sure your friends will like the runners up to the roof! Good Idea!

That Henry REALLY looks good there! I like the flat finish especially.
Could you take a couple close-ups before you flip it over? For posteriority, you know.
Another added benefit of the Henry is that any potential leaks from the numerous holes drilled through the lip will be effectively sealed.
Rich

Rich & Andy,

I will take a few photos tomorrow before I flip the ED over... Holes, what holes. HaHa... I found 3 holes from when they drilled for the PE strips for upper door. I'm very pleased on the results with the Henry 107 at this point in time.

Andy... yes the guys will appreciate the runners.


Take care,

Dennis

Click to view attachment

Rich,

Closer view of the Henry coating taken just after Sunrise... the digital camera triggered the flash, the color shows up as Gray. The real color is Black and very flat.

Click to view attachment

Gene on the left, with Don on the right said that was a piece of cake getting the dome set on the rollers.
Thanks guys!

Dennis:
Does this:
Click to view attachment
look more like what the Henry 107 looks like to your eye on your dome?
If I got the exposure more accurate (fun with PhotoShop) then it's a slam-dunk for the Henry!
If you have any left over from the dome work (which is a certainty) it'll come in VERY handy up on the house's roof.
Rich

P.S.
I just noticed this is post # 1234 for me! I have more posts here on OC than on CN!
Woo-hoo!
Rich

Rich,

It would take a group of Philadelphia Lawyers (& all of my money) on making a decision if your Photoshop color is the same as out of the Henry 107 can.

Good job... the match is perfecto! I used CHEAP brushs for the application in order to get the brush marks... the brush marks versus a smooth finish has more light gathering/absorbing capability.

Yes on using the Henry 107 on the roof panels... the ED took 3/4 of a gallon. More that likely I will not have enough on finishing the roof.

Later,

Dennis

How long did it take to dry? When I've used the Henry materials on my house roof it seemed to remain sticky for a long time. However, I might be using a different material and I'm sure a thicker coat. How thick is your coat?

Hey Ron,

The dry time with the Henry 107 was a concern when I did a test strip. I applied it some what on the heavy side with the test strip.
Before the 2nd coat (4) days later, the 1st coat was dry to the touch. The same amount was applied. I installed the dome today and have some touch up. High ambient seems to have an effect on spreading it, and it does not like being back brushed... it formed some little balls. Today it is on the tacky side, but you can move your finger over it and it does not feel tacky.

More on the Henry's success/failure etc later.

Take care,

Dennis

Henry 107 up-date.

I have some final touch up left on the coating application of the Henry 107... I'm very pleased with the product and it's FLAT black finish... the surface absolutely sucks up any light. After the 2nd coat was applied last week, it has dried and rubbing you finger over it leaves no residual. The Henry 107 also has bonded to the ED better than I had exspected.

It took 3/4 of a gallon, had enough left over to coat the roofing.

I'm moving along with TAHO. The next projects are the personal door, A/C unit, top coat of paint on the roof, dome to roof sealing, and minor touching up... 1st light is targeted for 26-June.



Click to view attachment


Take care,

Dennis

Since your in the same part of the country as I am, I'm following your experiment with this. I worry about the heat of summer softening the coating and causing problems. The fact that the dome is white on the outside should reflect most of the heat away. I'm surprised as to how cool the inside of the dome surface remains as summer progresses. A small air conditioner will solve the problem, but I'd hate to have to run it all the time.

Hi Dennis,

I haven't tried re-applying my last case of Fusion paint, but your asphault stuff sounds pretty good. Does it have a residual tar like odor? Does it soften with heat?

Also, I note that you cut off most of your dome skirt (as did I).

Ron and Steve,

The 1st and 2nd coats were applied in the early morning hours. Ambient ranged between 62° and 78°. The RH was not a factor at <18%. After the 1st coating (2 days) the surface was dry. The 2nd coating is now going on (5) days. You can get some of the #107 on your finger if you rub hard. Last week our hottest day was 94°. I don’t know if and when it will stay in a non-tacky state? I’m not concerned since I will no longer touch the inside surface of the ED. I’m installing a 5000BTU A/C unit more for my electronics than keeping the Henry in place. I don’t believe it will separate or fall off. But who really knows?

====================================

Steve,

There is no petroleum or other smells… The Henry 107 has no solvents in its ingredients.

Yes I cut 3.50” off of the skirt… I elected not to go with the traditional ring assembly. With my ceiling height at 73.50”, I saw the need to keep the dome as low as possible.

You may want to ask Sever Durham about the tackiness… the sample I sent him has been curing for about (2) weeks.

Take care,

Dennis

Hey Guys...
This sample is NOT tacky at all. And stuck like "glue". If you'd like I can forward the sample to the first that gives me an address......via PM .
Steve

Steve:
How 'bout this idea:
Cut the sample in half and subject the half you keep to heat testing. Wait a couple weeks and then put it in your oven with the thing set for 120* or something. If you had a thermometer that you could put in there to monitor the heat it'd help. Then keep it in there for a few hours to simulate a hot as heck Arizona July day. Then see if it's sticky again or smells funny or what. (come to think of it, I think I'd get sticky and smell funny myself in those conditions...)
This stuff sounds like the answer to the interior coating situation for those of us with early white-interior domes. Those getting domes nowadays should definately get the 2-tone, black-on-the-inside dome.
Rich

Steve,

If you want to send it to me, I'll put it out in the Arizona Sun and give a report as the summer progresses. If it doesn't soften here, it won't soften anywhere.

DUHHHH-------
Ron, can you PM me with your address? It will go out tomorrow!!!
Steve

Lost my address already! Wow, I thought I was bad about things like that.

Steve; Wonder how it would do down here with the sun , salt ocean air nearby and high humidity?

Diane

Hey Stargirl,

I'm sure that the Henry 107 would hold up okay in your area.
The Henry 107 application on my ED was finished about (2) weeks ago. It's not falling off and it's not tacky. I'm convinced as is Steve Durham, that the 107 holds very well on the HDPE.
The test strip I sent Steve Durham is now on the way to Ron Walker.

Dennis