| Before beginning construction you (and your
assembly partner) should carefully read through the
instructions and view any pictures available. We
provide a copy of the manuals with the confirmation
package to allow plenty of time t get this done. We
also encourage you to contact us with any questions
or concerns prior to starting the project.
Especially note the terminology that we use for the
different parts and various functions. We urge that
you not try to build the dome in an order different
from the steps laid out in the instructions - some
short cuts that look attractive have traps in
them.
Many of the installation steps take longer to read
than to do. While no complex carpentry or
other skills are needed, you will be required to
perform measurements, check that pieces are level
and straight, locate and drill holes, and install
bolts. Sometimes edges of fiberglass need to be
trimmed or sanded. However, no experience is needed
in working with fiberglass and no application of
fiberglass or resin needs to be done. None of these
pieces weighs more than 45 pounds, so even though
they are bulky, they are relatively easy to handle.
(HINT) - Try to pick a day with no
wind. The fiberglass sections, especially dome
quadrants, make great sails!
We would strongly urge that you have a second
person helping you. This allows you to check each
other and will help avoid mistakes. The second
person can help a great deal in holding items in
place while the first drills holes and installs
bolts. (HINT) - Three or four
vise-grip type clamps can make the job much easier!
The leading cause of future problems with the
dome operation is not taking the time to assure that
he dome is round and falls within the circumference
tolerances. There are tables in the manual for both
the Base Ring and Dome Support Ring that must be
consulted in this process. When determining
roundness, multiple measurements must be taken at a
variety of locations around the base ring.
(HINT) - Try taking a straight pole or 2x2,
measure and mark the outside diameter (119 inches
for the 10 foot domes), and use to take verify
roundness
as you move around the dome.
Finally, if you make a mistake, don't panic! In
most cases you can just take the components apart,
drill new holes and do it over. If you want to, you
can always go back later and patch any mistakes with
resin (this is one of the virtues of fiberglass).
(HINT) - Automotive fiberglass
repair "Bondo" works great and can easily be
sanded!
In the near future we will include streaming
video for selected assembly steps The links to the left allow the review or
copying of the complete assembly manuals. |
