New deck and observatory install

[Charles Dunlop]

Got the deck taken out, and my buddy and his small crew put in an 18 inch round pier with a T base 5 feet deep. The dirt in my hill is super strong and solid, and I'm guessing that pier base isn't moving at all if much at all. Just levelled the J bolts (except he used screws with flat square 3 inch plates on the end. It'll be solid. So, that part is done. Monday they install the actual deck, should be done my tuesday. Wed. my observatory shows up. Can't wait.

[Charles Dunlop]

Basti the bolts seem very solid on first review. Seems much more solid than my J bolts from my first pier, which two of them had a touch of play. These have zero play.

[Charles Dunlop]

Marc, it's drizzling chilly today, good for even drying. Got it covered and am pretty happy. Can't wait to peel the cardboard tube off. Really excited, this is going to be a way more stable pier than what I had before. Kind of stoked to be sure.

[Marc Basti]

Good thanks for that info, that will save me a few bucks. Charlie, may you dry slowly and evenly lol. Marc

[Charles Dunlop]

Conor my pier base will be underneath a deck so itll have little sun exposure if any at all. :).

[Charles Dunlop]

Thats similat to what they looked like. Maybe the plates were a little larger. Guy says he likes these better than j bolts. Im not going to argue. Just letting it all sit there until sunday then ill touch it. Lol.

[Marc Basti]

Charles, when you referenced the bolts w/plates were they similar to this. This is what I was thinking of using (5/8"-11 ss rod) instead of J-bolts. I had this stuff around (I'm a packrat) and to buy 3 ss J-bolts is $60. Wasn't sure if these would work as good as J-bolts.

[Conor]

When you remove the solotube. The pier can absorb heat during the day and radiate it at night which can often adversely affect seeing. Looking forward to seeing the final setup altogether.

[Charles Dunlop]

you mean once I rip the solotube thing off or as it's drying?

[Conor]

Be sure to buy some mylar and wrap it up so it doesn't absorb/emit heat.

[Charles Dunlop]

This is my new pier. You can see my old smaller pier in the foreground. This new one is much more sturdy and put together by pro's. It's also made to accept the paramount Pier. Can't wait to bolt the pier in and light it up!!!