Geodesic Dome Media Pod

Step 2 Making Templates

The two basic Hexagon and Pentagon shapes needed to create the Media-Pod are made from two templates I have designed with specific measurements on each side of the triangle. We will now start with the Pentagon:

1. The Pentagon has 5 sides, and is created from 5 individual pieces of cardboard that will be cut from a piece of scrap plywood (Any Thickness will do). The Pentagon template has three sides, two sides measure 12.55 Inches, and one side that measures 14.52 inches. You can round off the measurements to fractions if you want and it wont look any different if you are off by 1/16" or so.

2. The Hexagon has 6 sides, and is created from 6 individual pieces of cardboard that will also be cut from another piece of scrap plywood (Use the same thickness as the Pentagon Template). The Hexagon template also has three sides, two measure 14.84 inches, and one side measures 14.52 inches.

Note: both templates share one common measurement, 14.52 inches, this measurement must not change or be shorter or longer on both templates, they must both be the same. Otherwise the Hexagon and pentagon pieces will not fit together properly when you go to assemble the dome.

Lay out the Hexagon template by drawing a straight line across a piece of scrap plywood. Again, any thickness will do, I chose 3/4" Roofing plywood and that works fine. You will need to make or buy a large carpenters compass (Like the one I use), a dowel with a pencil and nail taped to it at the appropriate length will work, or you can buy a nice one at a home improvement store.

Continue to follow the instructions in the photos to lead you each step of the way in making the two templates needed to construct your Media Pod.

Comments

[davefruchter]

 I really appreciate you setting this whole instructable up. I just have a question concerning step 2. What tool did you use to cut off the remaining nail and what size nails did you use? Thanks for your time this is gunna be great. 

[greg0594]

Any size nail that is long enough to penetrate the plywood and stick out just a little will do, any nail excess that sticks out the back can just be bent off with pliers by bending back and forth a few times and the nail gets hot and breaks off.

[fatboy106]

What would you say are the dimensions for a 3 ft model

[greg0594]

Find out here:

http://www.desertdomes.com/dome3calc.html

[muriani]

I'm looking to build one of these when I get my new house. However, this seems to really only be able to fit one person comfortably. I'd like to be able to fit 2 people side by side comfortably inside. I assume that to increase the internal volume, we can simply increase the measurements of the sides of each triangle proportionately? For example, I could increase the pentagon triangle measurements to 15.69in (rounded) and 18.15in, with the hexagon triangle measurements 18.15in and 18.55in. (25% measurement increase) I'm not sure what internal volume increase that translates to, but I am I correct in assuming that the proportional measurement increases will maintain the overall shape? Also, what is the effective floor width and height of the finished dome, using your template and measurements?

[greg0594]

Yes!, You are exactly correct. You can make the dome larger by just adding 1-2 inches to all the lengths. As long as all the dimensions increase exactly by the same amount, For instance:
Or, to make an 8ft Diameter dome you would make the dimensions as follows:

A = 33.46 inches
B = 38.74 inches
C = 39.59 inches

This 8' Diameter dome will easily hold 4 people and make a Mini Theater, the dimensions I came up with can be found at:

http://www.desertdomes.com/dome3calc.html

Greg - Media Pod Designer

[greg0594]

I forgot to add that the size of the Media-Pod in this instructable is 6 ft Diameter by 4 ft 8 inch tall. I made it this small to fit 1 person and be still able to fit this dome in an average sized bedroom. Greg - Media Pod Designer

[muriani]

I have that same chair, and basically I'd like to be able to comfortably fit 2 of those in at one time.

[greg0594]

No Problem, with the 8ft version you should be able to seat 4 people in a semi circle inside. Greg - Media Pod Designer

[Mr. Taltos]

Your dimensions doe the Pentagon ask for 12.55" respectively for two sides. Are the sides themselves meant to be 12.55" or is the compass meant to maintain that length? I had to use a string and nail trick since I could not get ahold of a compass. 
When I measured out 12.55" with the string and nail trick I kept getting around 13" + -.
I am unsure if this was intentional or that the measurements I'm using are wrong.