Dome build: The real thing!

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Now I can bring the gores up the ladders and place them on the veranda ready for fixing. I was initially going to take the heavy slit frame up first but decided against it. If I fit the opposing gores the frame will have something to lean against. It's not so easy, up there, to just prop up the curved frame with an upright board as if it were standing on the ground.

I could feel my back aching last night after the struggle with the base ring. It aches a bit this morning too but I can still work on the dome. Deciding on the order of events may change with experience. I have to add adhesive to the bottom horizontal struts and the side of each rib before they can be brought together up on the ring. There is no need for them to be in place for the rib glue treatment. This that can be done on the veranda. Or even working inside the observatory. Perhaps I should add glue to the ring then drop the gore on top?

The plan is to work from the front of the building for easiest and safest access. Rotating the dome to bring the next gore position forwards in turn. But should I raise a taller ladder to bring me well above the dome's waistline? This might be safer when lifting each gore onto the ring. Rather than lifting it above head height while standing on the platform/veranda.

I can never be in two places at the same time. Though I do have lots of spring clamps, I must be able to reach high enough to fit them usefully while supporting the gore with the other hand.

Ten bolt holes, per rib, are already drilled but must be safely reachable without effort.  There is always the option of building a scaffolding platform to work from. But then I'd need to be able to get onto the platform from several levels and directions.

Click on any image for an enlargement.

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