Dome shed simplicity

[The Millers <triorbtl at sover dot net>]

>    So, instead of a hub connector, maybe what we need is a *panel*
>connector. Provide a cutting pattern for the plywood, and provide
>angle to join panel edges, rather than hub/strut?  Cut panels, screw
>the angle to the edges, join panels....done?  What would it take to
>hear, "Boy that sure went up>
>easy. Why did I ever mess with those old wood shed plans..."

    I don't know what you mean by" panel connector" or" angle to join
edges".
    When the holes are drilled accurately before assembly, the dome is self
aligning and self supporting. The only fasteners are ordinary machine
screws, nuts, and washers. The only panels that require any cutting are some
of the sheets around the base. The overlap of the sheets is critical to the
dome's integrity. The process feels like basketweaving on a large scale.

 http://www.sover.net/~triorbtl/rd18.html

for pictures of assembly of a 2v Triacon plydome. The same drill pattern was
used for the Chrysalis sphere (see home page) and a 1/2 scale version was
used for the Fat Helicopter. All the corners of all the sheets are the same
for each structure.