sonotube / Observatory pier design

Hi,

Does sonotube or equivalent exist here? I've asked a couple of builders suppliers about it and just got blank stares.

The site I'm probably (waiting to see if a neighbour's building plans will impact me - my view to the south is already obstructed enough!) going to build the roll-off is not level and I don't think propping up the shed on a couple of extra concrete blocks will do the trick, so I'll likley need to build support for one corner at least. And I'll need to build a concrete pier mount as well.

So, is it possible to get 'sonotube' or should I just use a wavin pipe?

Thanks,
~Al

Hi Al,

Not sure about Sonotube, have'nt seen it any where here but thats not to say it is not available some where. Something like this may also suit you, if you know anyone working on the council they use alot of it especially in rural areas and will likely have off cuts around their yards. Hope this may be some help.

Clear skies.

Al,

I suggest you use wavin. I discovered that the cardboard roll is only called sonotube in the US (hence the blank stares). Builders use it for creating columns/pillars etc for building. The advantage of wavin is its stronger and already has a nice paintable smooth finish. Gas pipe is also readily available in various widths and works well too. Don't skinp with the width, too thin and it will wave like a flagpole.

Thanks Dave, Reggy,

12" Wavin pipe it is so!

Hi Al, feeling stupid now even though you were to decent to mention me not putting the intended link in my previous post.
Wavin is the link I meant to give you.
Couldn't agree more with Dave, way easier to put it in first time than replace or add to it later. I'd also suggest if your are going to pour a concrete pier for your mount you put some lengths of steel bar in the concrete from top to bottom. Concrete is very strong with the load it's carrying in compression but can crack easily enough across a thin pier if it gets a knock from the side. You may not see such a crack when the pier is encased in a plastic pipe but you will definatley see the vibrations in your scope or images.

Cheers
Reggy

Thanks Reggy, I thought you'd forgotten a link!

I'd already planned on having a rebar frame in the pier. The only bits left to plan for the pier are now the exact location and the height, and plates. I'll probably get the Celestron HD Pro wedge, I'll be putting a CPC9.25 on it, so still need to work out the best way to put a mounting plate in place.