Making Metal Geodesic Dome struts under $2 each DYI - Part 1 (2020)
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- čas přidán 3. 06. 2024
- Part one - Building a metal conduit geodesic dome 4 season greenhouse for my own private garden. In this video I measure, cut, squish, drill and grind the poles/struts used to make the frame of the greenhouse. It ends up being under $2 a strut if you do it yourself. A 16 foot diameter dome, 200 sq feet, 2V was about $150 with sales tax! Watch DYI instructions in this video
Geodesic Dome Calculator used www.domerama.com/calculators/2...
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I would love any comments/ideas on this! I'm always looking for better ways to do things on a budget!
Simple Tek - 1 idea, since you want quite precise angles for easier assembly, with no preload conditions: Make a Fixture to hold the pipe, and set the angle, one for each angle needed. I bet there are some easy to learn CAD Programs you could use to design a good one.
You want a two halved design, that can clamp the pipe ends on the round shaft of the tube, and either a hinged face that bends up to a stop angle, or a slide that is already machined to your set angle, that slides in to stops, for you base angle. Finally, you want to press from the other side to set the tab angle. Remember, allow for your springback! All metals have that.
Then, get a Wood Shop or a Metal Shop, that does CNC Work for hire, and make a couple! Maybe try first with wood, as you might need to do a large "Tweak" on your first one! If it is right on with wood, and you want to make Dome kits to sell, go make metal forms!
Unlike an airplane your which which is very worried about weight cement and these tubes will make it stiffer and have your so the wind doesn't blow it around it might Act might at as a corrosive maybe could shoot foam in there soon knows as corrosive
ok
"A big mounted grinder is essential."
Not really essential, a hand drill with a larger bit or reamer would work just as well.
I would have clamped two straight edges forming a 90 degree pocket on the drill press table. That would have allowed you to place each pipe end into the corner and it would quickly and exactly put your pipe end where it needs to be for drilling.
I loved the concept on building this thing. . Thanks for that and the video Cheers
@@rickdees251 thank you
Instead of grinding off the burr on the drilled holes, use a counter sink. It’s quicker and doesn’t remove the galvanized finish on the flat.
if it was an assembly line yes - this is one greenhouse
I've gathered heaps of EMT from dumpsters around construction sites and the back of electrical supply stores. When a piece is slightly damaged they usually toss them. Lots end up at the metal recycle depot and you can get it there at scrap prices if you keep your eyes open and check in regular before they squish it down. Another place to get cheap metal tube is from metal shipping frames for things like ATV's and snowmobiles. Usually 3/4" x 1-1/2" rectangle tube frames, local places just pile it up free for the taking until it is to much and they scrap it all at once. So with some time and scrounging, free or super cheap material can be had for almost any size tube dome!
that's awesome!
Very cool design! I don't have the shop equipment that would make this easy to create, but its a great idea. This feels like an incredible micro-enterprise for someone in each community, like yourself, who has the skill and tools to fabricate a mountain of these and get them out to folks!
Thank you for the comment! You can get a new hydraulic press for under $200 from eBay, or just hammer the ends flat on a piece of concrete.
All you need is a chop saw and a press. It’s time consuming.
I want to try this!! Love it! I watched a guy take 6-8 sheets of plexiglass, cut & melted in his home oven, to make one solid piece. He proved it was bullet proof (not over .50 cal) just strong enough to withstand a tornado, .22cal, or a hail storm. To combine this idea with that to make a big greenhouse would be amazing!
that sounds awesome!
Bucky was ALL ABOUT "doing more with less" and THIS is the best example of that principle in action that I've EVER SEEN! .... thank you VERY much for sharing this valuable information. .... fascinating, well done, subscribed!
Thank you for the kind words!
@@SimpleTek You deserve all the thanks. ... quick question --- are the pentagon struts the same length as the hexagon struts? (I've always thought they were shorter to create the curve).
@@markmarsh27 all info calculations on domerama.com
@@SimpleTek Thank you BIG TIME ST! ... You're a kind and generous soul.
Dear Simple Tek guys, awesome. I am trying to imitate your setup but with recycled plastic struts, cheap to make. Thanks for the inspiration
Very welcome
Really cool! Like the shop from what I see. You should do a video tour!
Thank you for the kind words. Not my shop - belongs to a friend but it is a really cool shop!
I made a 20ft 5/9th sphere 3v this way. Used a jig for drilling accuracy of the same material.
nice!
Exactly what I want to do.
I’m going to use this to make a climbing dome for my son. Great video. Thanks!
you're welcome!
If you want a climbing dome, I would suggest a material more ridged than 3/4" emt conduit.
@@daphneblake7889 the 3/4 I used was amazingly strong for that size, I'm over 300lbs and can hang off it. if it was smaller it would be hugely strong. Domes naturally have great structural strength.
Copper tubing around wood stove pipe. 12 volt pump for solar panel or battery charged by solar. Connected to 1/2 PEX on floor in home. Pink 1" styrofoam insulation to fill gaps between. 100% vinyl plank flooring to cover. Cheap radiant heat. To prevent over pressurizeation use old water heater tank and leave cap off on top for pressure escape.
cool
... great start .. using a countersinker for deburring the holes instead of grinding off the zink plate woud hold up the anti rust coating at the connection points ...
good advise!
1:30 hahah i was leafing through my eyes
The SQUISHIER sounds so good that imma call it like that!
Thank you for the kind words!
Self-explanatory name. The "squishier" I like it👍
and for 2v lovers .. there is a great way to make a top cover !!! you just need 5big triangles for top and middle layer and they will make a perfect fitting tarp no need to make all separate small triangles ! . (I fitted Velcro to attache the 5 parts
Cool idea!
Excelente vídeo! Como você calcula o comprimento da parte prensada?
If you will have hole near the flat tip and 2-3 on its tube body; then, all connected to a Basin top; then, when water rain comes; then, all the veggie will be sprinkled. But, if it is as a dry Home; then only the top near the tip and where the sink is; or in the end tip where the water rain will go out to the garden. But, you have the nicest sturdy type.
Thank you for the comment!
Really great video, no bs & straight to the point, thanks. Although why the pipe need to be on the same level while you squish second end??
Measurements! Thank you for the kind words!
How awesome!! Clever!
Ani Johnson - thank you for the kind words!
you are lovely man, big hugs and thanks for the explanation!!
My pleasure!
"for Manitoba winters"
you have my attention sir.
It’s actually a blizzard today here
Awesome video!!! Thank you
Thank you too!
For quicker cutting line up a chop saw blade 5 feet away from a wall and chop away. Much faster and precise sizes.
good idea
No kidding that's a great price! I checked at Home Depot online and those same pieces of conduit are $28 each. Mind you that's a difference of 17 years plus one pandemic...
only a few years not 17 lol - but yeah I found a killer sale
I love your vdo and your designed and material.i plan to build one but i would like to use rebar and use the same material for cap each of both end straw to connects..i think rebar mabe cheaper but more work to do maybe. Thanks again for sharing your smart dome
Thank you for the comment. Thinking about rebar I have 2 issues. First is squishing the ends. It's possible but not sure the size of hydraulic press needed to squeeze the rebar ends properly. Yes you could use hubs but the cost would skyrocket. Second is covering, rebar, at leas all the rebar I know of, is rough and would snag and tear any plastic covering. If you could get smooth rebar that would work, or not cover the dome with plastic maybe use it as a frame for a concrete dome?
Wow. You are so nice to replied my coment. I will compare the price of rebar(8mm) and conduite pipe. Do you think rebar stronger than conduit pipe?
I also thinking of using bamboo as well but may take time to treat(boiled in salty water).
Can i share my day dream plan pls dont laugh.it would be nice if you help me think. Ok here my day dream to build the dome. I plan to built like sheltered at the farm. I will use the roof &wall of burbag( soak in kind of liquid cement, i got ideas from other youtuber tutorial clothes cemented ) over wiremesh, some are will use clear roofing sheets (somthing like this not sure spelling). Thanks for reading.
It's easy and cheap to do a comparison, but one piece of both conduit and rebar, and try and bend both. The pressure you exert to bend them will tell you which is stronger. I don't know much about bamboo, it's very expensive here. I've heard it's strong but I honestly don't know. test it!
So I'm assuming you want to make a concrete dome? you can look up some examples on youtube. concrete and or aircrew would make a cool shelter. some places use an inflatable dome to do it, but they are expensive. What you're suggesting I think would work. VIDEO IT and post it on youtube, I'd love to see how it turned out! Good luck
Thank you for your video. You made it look so easy.
Have you looked at the Zip Tie Domes?
Maybe you can do a comparison video in the future?
I'm not a fan of the zip ties, strength issues
@@SimpleTek
Yeah, PVC isn't gonna hold up to a lot of snow and ice
@@noteem5726 it's amazing how much load a dome design can hold though.
Fantastic. Subscribed.
Awesome, thank you!
my brother !!!!!!! I made 10mtr 2v all dome !!! same press same holes same angle same building ... all because the all p[rice was down 40% couple of years ago ..
greetings !!
that's awesome!
Since most length of pipe are the same set a table that allow you set and mark the pipe with a sharp knife. Use a good quality pipe cutter will cut your pipe or use a chope saw. You should have the same pipe length within 1/16 of an inch. For me I would even use a grinder to make sure the pipe length are the same by grinding the end. Then use a die to make your holes and ends. Then you will have good connections
connections? the squished makes for the great connections !!!
Lovely work, how did you work out the ratio of pipe length to where you ‘squished’ the ends and selected the drill hole position
Done calculator 2v, on this site
www.domerama.com
Thanks brother!!!!
Thank you for the kind words
Thanks so much for your excellent video! Any other methods to flattened the pipes? I don’t have those tools you used on the video.
You can use a hammer on an anvil or concrete block to do it!
Simple Tek never thought about that one 👍 thanks so much!
@@cirosochyesposito9443
Sledge hammer
Or a Bench vise
Very nice
Thank you!
For those without the tools. One could set up 2 bench Vises to flatten the 2 ends at the same time. these will be flat and need to be bnt later on to proper 16 to 18 degrees. One can take the conduit to a metalshop. Many will do metal work for $1 per minute. they will use Jigs and stops to be able to cut additional pieces without remeasuring. They can use a shear instead of a chop saw or can use a bandsaw to cut whole bundles at one time. they can setup 2 squishers that simultaneously squish both ends to keep flattened parts absolutely parallel and my metal guy uses a spring loaded puch marker to proVide tiny dent where either the drill bit or hydraulic punch makes the hole. This preVents the tip or drill bit from skating. By using shears instead of a saw, no burrs need grinding and the right punch die can also round the ends of the struts for easier set up. Depending on size of project, there is some point where a professional can help the DIYer saVe money as well as time
cool - I like sledge hammers though. LOL
Where did get your metal bar squashed? Do you have your own squash machine or go to a plant get it done?
You can buy them online for a few hundred dollars !
17 degrees was measured in many videos...u mentioned 16 to 18 degrees ...well done...trig would someday help us build a geodesic dome.
;)
I like your design but I have a question you said you used conduit one cut can you tell me what were the lengths of your to struts and what was your overall dimensions this would work well for a green house I would like to try it thanks for sharing
I used domerama.com for calculations
Hey bro, I have understood everything about the structure but could you pls recommend some video on how to fix the out over and inner... How to make them.. And the acrylic sheet to pvc pls
check my archives - lots of stuff there on what you're asking for
Should have set up a tube guide with a backstop on the "squisher", thereby ensuring identical length of "squishing" on each tube, which also eliminates the need to mark them all, - and then include a parrot stand for supporting the flat portion, of the already formed first end, for the second end "squishing" operation, to ensure both ends are formed with a common plane.
you can do anything with enough money, I did this with what was on hand
I like it, can't find part 2 and 3 dude. Help me out please, Thanks!
Thank you ! Goto my channel page “Simple Tek”. And hit the videos button on the top
Cheers!! 🙂 Friend, how is it to calculate the angle of the edge at each frequency and diameter, could you help me with that please?
I used this website www.domerama.com for all calculations
Im curious. Did you have to do anything special to the tube to make it hold its shape as you press the in flat such as filling it with sand? If you stated it I missed that part I apologize. Thanks
I just squished it
@@SimpleTek perfect. That sure makes it easy. Thank you.
@@joshuaatkins5197 you’re welcome
شكرا على المجهود
How do I translate? أبو مسلم العربي
Simple Tek Thanks for the effort
Nice Video ! Thank you !
How can we know the length of each pipe ?
Couldn't find it on the domerama site.
it's in the calculator on domerama for the specific dome you want to build - 2v, 3v, 4v, etc. - once you put the values in. it calculates it.
This is amazing, thank you for sharing. Can this be made into a house? Eg. Fiber cement board for covering? I have no building code in my village.
Yes, absolutely
@@SimpleTek if I do fiber cement board, one strut wouldn't be wide enough to fasten two boards where they would join correct? Unless the pipe was much wider? Could I use square tubing instead and flatten the ends the same way as your pipes? What do you recommend overall for my challenge with fastening fiber cement board?
@@AliAbdullah-oi3wc mines was a 2v, but you can do 3v, 4x or 5v structures for smaller triangles with the same sq footage of the dome
@@SimpleTek but what about the fiber cement board part? 😬
My husband & I bought a used Dome (Vital Dome) 24ft. We erected the Dome to live in and we erected the frame and the next day before we could cover or Anchor a small twister came through the desert and destroyed it. It bent at the hub. Do you have any recommendations for repairing this issue? I love your videos and your youtube was the place I went once the shock wore off. I believe we lost the first 3 rows.
I'd need to know more about it and what happened to the struts to offer advice. I'm sorry that happened to you
Is there a name for this type of pipe with the crushed ends? I have been trying to find them pre-made with no luck.
I just bought electrical conduit. never seen them premade before
if I want to build 6v geodesic dome using the same pipa, does the angel of the pipe still the same 18 degree and 16 degree ? Thanks
use a dome calculator - angles change huge for 2, 3 and 4 V and so on
Could you tell us the measurement where you cut the EMT to make the two pieces??
I used an online guide - Domerama or something like that
The Squisher!
hehe
Thanks
Welcome
I like squisher too! I don’t own a squisher, so I would have to use something else. Isn’t tool sharing great?
Totally!
❤ ❤ good presentation sir, what is the size of each pipe can one include
The website domerama.com gives all lengths for all sizes of domes
hey pleasetell me the power of your hidraluic press in wich you have obtained that angle you steel bars thanks you cheers
That was a 100 ton but you could do it with a 10 ton
@@SimpleTek some on the web get astraight angble with super mechanics in a supertstore,amateur is crazy when he tries to bend the angle from straighit to whatever is desired... with all kind of mechanics, can you guarantee me i can get the desired angle for a V2 witha 10 tone hydraulic press?
@@barakasense guarantee? Nope lol
Love this build and channel. Same conduit is $23.97 ea. 2 years later, unfortunately. :(
Thank you for the kind words. Yeah the pandemic changed all pricing :(
You can squish them with a bench vise too
but then I can't use "the squishier"!
Have you tho of a Walapini? An In ground greenhouse? I love Bill Lishman’s Home in Canada! Earth Integrated.. it’s on CZcams.
Yes, they work in South America but have issues in the northern climates
How do you plan to hold the greenhouse film on the dome ?
Thank you for the question. I plan to (and am currently, video to be posted shortly) build a wooden 2 foot high base around the bottom, and secure the plastic to that.
Ok, and adding folds here and there and most likely using two or more pieces to cover the whole dome ?
I wish I had those tools or knew someone who had them!
you can improvise most things
Awesome! Wish I found your channel earlier
Thank you for the kind words!!!!!!
I want to built the structure and need know how many degrees at the ends of the pipe to make dome v3 in the exagons and in the pentagons
use this website. it's what I used. www.domerama.com I hope that helps
Hi, I have the same dome, but have find a solution to fix glasses on it?
it works well with plastic sheets, I have a video on that
czcams.com/video/TpyTg3nWfQw/video.html
respect
chefboyrdee1 thank you for the kind words
La separacion entre ejes de cada Perforacion corresponde a la lonjitud de las Aristas.?
I wish I spoke your language
To all reading highly suggest going by a local solar outfit or electrical contractor outfit as this EMT conduit is junk metal and can be had in segments for free otherwise they have to pay to truck it to Metals Recycling for very little money
great tip
I like to make same for myself but ,the only tool I have is the blue plastic Empire speed square 😀
you only really need a hacksaw and a big hammer
Saludos podrías mandar las medidas quiero hacer uno para invernadero
What is a squisher? Are we talking about a hydraulic press? Thanks!
a "squisher" is the coolest hydraulic tool you can purchase for money in the free world. If you don't know that, you haven't lived.
Can you use a sched 20 gi pipe sonce it would be cheaper than emt?
Rene Florencio all depends on what that costs where you live and sales
Squisher.. nice..
thank you
Great
;)
Hey can you make a video on how to build one in a tree?
Ras Congo you’d need to build a platform in the tree first
Using a Milwaukee Pipe Cutter makes cleaner cuts...and a hole punch on the press will avoid the drilling.
I learn as I go - thank you for the information!!!!!
Can it be made from basalt rebars ( geodesic skeleton)
Please advise
Interesting idea!
coloca legenda portugues,o Brasil adora esse tipo de video
Cheers from Manitoba, Canada!
@@SimpleTek Basta legendar para o Portugês Brasileiro
If you plan on making hundreds or thousands of these, then you should considered a carbide bit circular saw blade meant for steel and mount it on mitre saw.
Yeah I agree if you’re making thousands of them but for one dome this is fine
Could I scale this down to make a terrarium for my tortoise?
I'm sure you could!
How much waste material did you have? What was the total cost to do this. And could you actually splice pieces of pipe together with a dowel inside so you would have less waste?
no waste material - I cut the 10 foot pipes so none would be wasted. no splicing. just single cuts so all solid pieces.
How did you cover the dome?
I did it in the video Square term round dome. czcams.com/video/TpyTg3nWfQw/video.html
Ironworker machine with the correct dies would fly through this process, 1 stroke of the hydraulics to squash, 1 stroke to shape, 1 stroke to punch the hole.
Agreed but for one greenhouse does it really matter if it takes an extra 2 hours? Cost of machine
@@SimpleTek Yeah bit expensive for 1 greenhouse 😂 Recently came across Ironworker machines and how versatile they are, especially the Scotchman with how many accessories are available, cool project 👍
@@RichardSmith-wr6go thank you
I don't have the tools to make the bars. If you live in Ottawa, can I buy off u?
sorry. not in Ottawa. You can use a hacksaw and a big hammer on concrete to flatten the edges - or buy a squishier (press) from ebay for about $200
Boobookittyfk small sledge hammer and drill
I did this same thing in 1972. I did the math on paper and it seemed to take forever. My late brother took it home to the farm. I guess he sold it or something because I now live on the farm and have never found it.
Domerama.com does easy quick calculations online now
If you are doing lots of metal work like this, pick up a harbor freight portable bandsaw. Less than $100 USD. Fast and cheaper in long run. Pick up a better blade first thing though.
Thanks for the tip!
This is great, but I dont have a hydraulic press in my garage?
you can buy them cheep on ebay or amazon or just use a sledge hammer on a hard surface
A very cost-effective version of this can be made with a portable jack, a few plates of steel, and a little welding. Here is a really basic one. czcams.com/video/wqtdfb1dJ5I/video.html
@@SimpleTek can you send a link to the 'Squisher' you made these with?
Amazing they were within 2 degrees of what you needed!
Blessed
@@rexybodean3029 it was a friend's machine which he bought at an auction years ago
After you calculate the length of a strut, say it's 4 feet, is that the measurement from end-to-end of the pipe or hole-to-hole that you drilled?
It seems it would be important to get that measurement correct. Thanks for you help. Good video!
Roast411 hole to hole
Manitoba. I’m from saskatchewan. Want to make a 3d. Got a lot of questions. May I contact you for more info. Thanks?
What's the difference between 2v, vs 3v, 4v domes???
more triangles for the same sq footage area
how many feet does the tube have ??
I used www.domerama.com - it calculated everything for you
Thank you
What is the minimum thickness of conduit needed?
depends on the size of the dome
@@SimpleTek do you have a formula? My dome plan is 3v, around 23ft diameter, 12ft high
Ground not grinded, but it got the point across.
lol - everyone tells me that!
@@SimpleTek :)
How much Tons on press?
Tadas Ki - I think it was 80 or 100, you could use 10 ton though
2021, wish I could find 1/2" for that price in the US.
no kidding, everything went up like crazy
Hey brother. Nice work. Hope that you will get this somehow someway? HOW ABOUT A HEXAGONAL DOME HUB WITH A 4 INCH DIAMETER. THEN DESIGN DOMEES CAPS WITH SPECIFIC BEND DEGREES. LIKE A BEER BOTTLE CAP BUT HEXAGONAL IN SHAPE. MARK AND CUT YOUR GEOMETRIC TABS. THEN MAKE A HAND BENDLE TO FORM THE BEND IN THE TABS. THE POTENTIAL OF THE DOME IS NOT IN THE STRUCT, IT IS THE FOCUS POINT OF THE STRUBS WHERE THEY ALL INTERCONNECT. 2 INCH METAL. IF YOU DO GET THIS MESSAGE BROTHER, I REALLY WOULD LIKE TO TALK WITH YOU ABOUT ADVANCING THE DOME TECHNOLOGY. THANKS.
why not! when you make it post pics or video!
repeat with Lighter than steel. we need it portable; all will be on the run/travel change of destination where there is no flood nor earthquakes. How about PVC?
try zip tie domes, they do wonders with PVC
so I looked at the price of these 3/4 10 foot emt in canada today... 42$ each at lowes
Everything went nuts after the pandemic :(
Wish youd included your strut lengths. A=?
B= ?
www.ziptiedomes.com/geodesic-dome-calculators/geodesic-dome-calculator-index.htm
www.domerama.com/calculators/
It does not matter as long as they are all the same size. Bigger struts=bigger dome. Smaller struts=smaller dome. If you paid attention he did say the strut length. They are 10/2 feet (5 foot).
I used domearama - google it - works awesome for any size
The dome calculator link doesn't work
I saw the site went down recently ;(
You have here en empty frame .. and then ?
You stretch plastic over it
Nobody have a squish machinewhat can we do
ebay!!!!
Qué medidas son los tubos veo que tienes dos
???
El largo de los tubos a qué medida los cortaste
I want one… Can I get in touch with you?
You just build them!