Geodesic Dome Media Pod

Step 6 Making The Base Structure

Before we get along any farther you should now make the base that holds the entire dome structure together at the bottom. Without this base in place your dome would not be able to sustain any loads without collapse.

Start by getting an 8 ft piece of clear Pine, 3 1/2" by 3/4" thick, at the end cut off an angle of 72 Degrees with a 10" Power miter saw, measure down from the top edge (Longest point) 14 1/2" and make a line, from that top edge use a protractor to make another 72 degree line. (See Pictures)

This will be the small piece, and your template. Now make 4 more exactly like this one. When you have completed this step, Cut another 72 degree angle and measure down 23 3/4" at the longest portion and mark another line. From that line mark another 72 Degree angle on the board and cut exactly along that line with the same 10" Power miter Saw. (Using a Power Miter saw is Way Easier than hand cutting and far more precise)

Make another 4 of those long pieces using the first one as a template. Then attach them as shown in the pictures End-To-End, Small - Large - Small in sequence as shown. Place a liberal ammount of wood glue on the ends before you push them together.

Using a Stanley or Arrow Stapler - put 3 staples as shown evenly on the seams, make sure that the wooden pieces are firmly flat on a concrete surface when you staple the joints together.

Let the whole assembly dry overnight before you move it again, it will be quite strong when dried and should be fine to sand the seams or cut off any excess glue drips.

Move on to the Velcro phase next!