Ad Astra Observatory

I learned how to set up the drill press for beveled cuts. I need to remember to add sacrificial pieces under the work when doing bevels. Lessons learned.

The nice thing is that, using my iPhone to set the bevel angle, I was able to cut 2 angled holes that received 1.25″ tubes easily.

I then measured the distance between the tubes at a length of 36″, and although they were variable in spread (the holes are a little on the loose side, would be fixed by turning them into clamps), I was able to set them to 18″, the desired distance.

This all leads me to believe that I’ve calculated the angles correctly. Now I just need to cut out an actual set of clamps, and start mocking up a couple of trusses.

With a little head-scratching, I should be able to create a set of clamps tomorrow night.

I am wondering whether I should use the bevel of the drill press table or whether I should cut myself out a wedge (or two) with the correct angle. Hmmm.

Good progress. At the moment, this is feeling like a pretty quick project.