geodome part 1

pics of finished main structure -- dome2
pics of finished main structure with ropes and stuff -- dome3
21 starplates (£50),
available from US or NZ - either way you have to add in postage cost of about £25
overall cost is in the region of £160+ - thats bolts, nuts,( i used wing nuts and nylon locking nuts for the base layer) washers, wood preservative (used Barrettine Wood Preserver Wood Stain) and any varnish not done yet - i think i will use marine stuff, Epifanes probably.
Time was a good few days as i cut 100 tapered joints see here and quickly corner planed and sanded each strut before applying wood preservative

because we intend the dome to be used as a climbing frame most of the time, i used m8 hex bolts 100 mm long -- and 3 x2 rough sawn 7 foot timber from the sawmill, giving a rough height and diameter of about 10 feet. Extra timber will be used for extra struts to allow the kids to climb it - and i may re-inforce with liros braid.
latest pics with extra supporting struts as it is primarily used as a climbing frame

just added a platform/mat

latest news 2009 -- 8 years on -- the red cedar has weathered well and i have just given it a coating of cetol novatech light oak stain to freshen it up.

in the photo below you can see the original on the left, yet to be treated , while on the right you can see the spar, scraped lightly with decorator's blade (putty knife etc) to remove lichen, and brushed with cetol