Building Domes? (EMT, Geodesic, 3V)

Xain · Post by **Xain** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 12:31 am

We are going to build a Dome or two for this years burn, (EMT, 2-3V 20-30 foot diameter)
looking for tips and tricks from those who have built em before.

thanks!

-X

Post by **trilobyte** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 8:33 am

Giving this a nudge over to the Shelter & Camping forum, since that's a better fit for questions about building domes.

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 10:53 am

Xain wrote:We are going to build a Dome or two for this years burn, (EMT, 2-3V 20-30 foot diameter)
looking for tips and tricks from those who have built em before.

Start in March or April.

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 11:33 am

Nobody has discussed domes here before.

some seeing eye · Post by **some seeing eye** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 12:25 pm

Ugly Dougly wrote
Nobody has discussed domes here before.

And since the guy who invented them is dead, good luck finding out the secrets...

- the cover is a more difficult problem than the frame
- use the right size pipe - 2v 24' 1". I wouldn't go above 24' with 2v.
- how are you going to erect it, bringing a crane are you?
- the cover can be heavy. 24' 5/8 vinyl cover >500# (crane)
- wrapping a 30' 4v by climbing it with off the roll 7' wide Aluminet has been done
- not recommended to erect-derect large domes by climbing

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 1:21 pm

And don't get all snobby about how many frequencies your dome is.

If you want a simple system, google "starplate stromberg".

Xain · Post by **Xain** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 1:40 pm

Wow lots of help.

Guys, I've been setting up the domes* for our camp for the last three years using two wrenches and a couple extra sets of hands

I also know in theory what goes into building a dome, I was just looking for any tips or tricks that people have learned from personal experience.

But i should have also asked for your snarky comments and useless blather.
Thanks guys!

*2-3v 15'-30' diameter 5/8th sphere geodesic EMT conduit domes.

Jackass · Post by **Jackass** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 1:44 pm

Dude, I didn't know H.G. Crosby invented domes....

Post by **Savannah** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 1:51 pm

Xain wrote:Wow lots of help.

Guys, I've been setting up the domes* for our camp for the last three years using two wrenches and a couple extra sets of hands

I also know in theory what goes into building a dome, I was just looking for any tips or tricks that people have learned from personal experience.

But i should have also asked for your snarky comments and useless blather.
Thanks guys!

*2-3v 15'-30' diameter 5/8th sphere geodesic EMT conduit domes.

They're implying that you might have searched this forum harder for the very good thread already in existence, or (if not that) asked a more specific question. OR they're just being bastards, whatever. We're gonna dock their pay by half!

Using command-F and the word "dome", for example, I found 3 dome threads other than this one on the very first page of this Shelter & Camping forum. Are they useful? Who knows. However, on only page 2 of this forum, I found paydirt. There's gotta be something in it for you.

Dome Calculations...
http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic. ... 77&t=56111

Geodesic Dome Hub Connectors Index
http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic. ... 77&t=56037

Geo Dome Assistance 2.0
http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic. ... 77&t=55368

Geodesic Dome Construction (Tips and Tricks)
http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic.php?f=277&t=8271 <-------------- GET SOME.

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 1:55 pm

Jackass wrote:Dude, I didn't know H.G. Crosby invented domes....

He knows how to pitch a tent, so a dome is just a natural extension, no?

some seeing eye · Post by **some seeing eye** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 2:09 pm

Xain states:
But i should have also asked for your snarky comments and useless blather.

Ask a stupid question, get useful answers, then complain. A true ePlayan!

I looked back through this thread and every single reply was on point and by very respected participants who are here to provide expertise based on personal experience for free. Wouldn't expect contributors to examine all your old posts to understand your level of understanding, which isn't there on domes.

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 3:48 pm

Jackass wrote:

Dude, I didn't know H.G. Crosby invented domes....

Dude, don't you recognize Buckminster Fuller??????

It's on the test.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 4:06 pm

That's the nice young man who knocked on my door and tried to sell me a brush...

Father_Burn · Post by **Father_Burn** » Wed Jul 11, 2012 7:03 pm

www.desertdomes.com

Nuff said.

Xain · Post by **Xain** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 3:47 pm

Savannah wrote: They're implying that you might have searched this forum harder for the very good thread already in existence, or (if not that) asked a more specific question. OR they're just being bastards, whatever. We're gonna dock their pay by half!

Using command-F and the word "dome", for example, I found 3 dome threads other than this one on the very first page of this Shelter & Camping forum. Are they useful? Who knows. However, on only page 2 of this forum, I found paydirt. There's gotta be something in it for you.

Dome Calculations...
http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic. ... 77&t=56111

Geodesic Dome Hub Connectors Index
http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic. ... 77&t=56037

Geo Dome Assistance 2.0
http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic. ... 77&t=55368

Geodesic Dome Construction (Tips and Tricks)
http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic.php?f=277&t=8271 <-------------- GET SOME.

thanks Savannah!
I was browsing from my cell at the time, and searching a document in that way doesn't work.
but after digging I have found some useful tips

1) for greatly increased strength, Clamp the bar ends round instead of flat.

2) Since the EMT Conduit usually comes in 10' lengths play around with the Strut size to minimize wasted material.
3) the type of press to use make all the diff, I found this: http://www.harborfreight.com/1-ton-arbo ... -3552.html

I also spoke with a few people who have built em in the past. 2-3 days of flattening and drilling if you are taking it easy and by yourself, but 2+ people can knock it out in about a day A-Z (store, fabricated, set-up)

Xain · Post by **Xain** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 3:57 pm

some seeing eye wrote: Ask a stupid question, get useful answers, then complain. A true ePlayan!

I looked back through this thread and every single reply was on point and by very respected participants who are here to provide expertise based on personal experience for free. Wouldn't expect contributors to examine all your old posts to understand your level of understanding, which isn't there on domes.

?

Trilobyte moved the topic over, (yeah my bad, wrong area)

Bob said start in march or april...being that this is july, Bobs implying what exactly?

Ugly Dougy said made a needless comment.

Some seeing Eye: made a funny but not helpful comment.....(and then some Honest tips after the image that is did not see while browsing from my mobile. sorry about including you in the initial group Seeing Eye.)

Ugly Dougy made another useless comment, being that the "starplate stromberg" system is for wooden domes, not the stated EMT conduit or even a similar alternative.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 4:27 pm

Critiques are useless. Two digit codes with a point (".") in the middle, ala Olympic Gymnastic judging are the only way to go.
As an Apokalyptikan I'm giving you 3.4. I don't give higher than a 4 if you're not in our blok.

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 4:33 pm

Here ya go, sport: Domes

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 7:09 pm

Xain wrote:?

Your original post appeared naive, completely open-ended, and gave no indication that you appreciate the vast resources of the eplaya or the web. Everybody gave appropriate advice in response, IMHFO, and yet you persist in being a self-absorbed dick, if that's physically possible.

AzJames · Post by **AzJames** » Sat Jul 14, 2012 12:14 am

People talk about problems flattening the ends and buy or use some kind of press. I made a jig to help me mark the same distance from the cut ends then I went out to the curb and pounded the ends flat. I'll post a picture if a second jig I designed to make sure the flats were on the same level.

Xain · Post by **Xain** » Sat Jul 14, 2012 12:41 am

AzJames wrote:People talk about problems flattening the ends and buy or use some kind of press. I made a jig to help me mark the same distance from the cut ends then I went out to the curb and pounded the ends flat. I'll post a picture if a second jig I designed to make sure the flats were on the same level.

Thanks!
Would love to see that pic if you can. What type of metal did you use?
EMT conduit?

-x

shimgotit · Post by **shimgotit** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 1:19 am

i just completed my 2v dome and it came out great! im looking into which covering would suit my dome the best... any suggestions? 10mm brown tarp? tyvek role?

p.s. if you have any questions or need some tips n tricks, pm me

BAK3R · Post by **BAK3R** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 3:59 pm

My dome is covered with a used billboard. Turn the graphics inward and you get a nice strong white cover for cheap. I paid 25 dollars for a 14X48' billboard here in Reno.

AzJames · Post by **AzJames** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 5:56 pm

OK I'm going to try and post a picture here (fingers crossed)

After I flattened one end I put it in the jig (which was the same height as the curb)

Now I can flatten the other end and know both ends will be flat at the same angle.

I went low tech on this project.

Xain · Post by **Xain** » Tue Jul 24, 2012 6:39 pm

BAK3R wrote:My dome is covered with a used billboard. Turn the graphics inward and you get a nice strong white cover for cheap. I paid 25 dollars for a 14X48' billboard here in Reno.

Where'd you get it from?
Having trouble finding the vinyl, it's cheap and keeps you very cool too, uv blocking.

BAK3R · Post by **BAK3R** » Mon Jul 30, 2012 7:24 pm

Called local clearchannel office and set up an appointment. They had a lot of sizes and colours to choose from. I went with white!

FIGJAM · Post by **FIGJAM** » Mon Jul 30, 2012 7:53 pm

Their all white on one side.

When I got mine ($20 for 15X48) it was a missprint, so it was brand new and had never been put up.

BAK3R · Post by **BAK3R** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 9:49 am

They also had black billboard vinyl but i wouldn't buy it.

FIGJAM · Post by **FIGJAM** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 10:30 am

These things offgas like crazy, so put the printed side inside.

Building Domes? (EMT, Geodesic, 3V)

Building Domes? (EMT, Geodesic, 3V)

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