With the quadrant itself pretty much complete (aside from the scale), it was time to start working on something to mount it on. So today we started with the central column which was assembled from plywood to make a 5″ box that was 8′ tall.
This was done first so we could allow it time to dry as it was assembled with wood glue and staples.
With that out of the way, we turned to the large base. Our design called for a removable top and bottom with 4×4″ legs so that it could be easily disassembled for transport. To do so, the base would be designed around slots for the 4×4″s to drop into.
We started with a box 3’x3′ and then built in slots for the 4″x4″‘s. I didn’t take many pictures along this portion but here’s the nearly completed base.
We’ve had an ongoing discussion about how high to make the top. At this point, we’ve merely cut the 4″x4″‘s in half, so it’s just over 4’ tall. Part of my idea is that the instrument should allow for someone to stand (or sit) next to it comfortably and use it as a writing surface to record measurements. Thus, the legs will probably be getting chopped down a bit. I’d also considered leaving it taller and making a writing slant that attaches to one side. But that’s all to be decided later.