GEODESIC DOME 6-WAY HUB CONNECTOR? Simpson Strong Tie Gazebo Connectors

[jerry diamond]

GEODESIC DOME 6-WAY HUB CONNECTOR? Simpson Strong Tie Gazebo Connectors; BEEF UP AND / OR COVER UP IMPERFECT CUTS...IF YOU WANT  A DOME, BUT DO NOT HAVE THE EXPERTISE  TO MAKE PERFECT CUTS ON A $1000.00 DIGITAL COMPOUND MITER SAW... plus every other joining device imaginable: http://www.strongtie.com/products/DIY/GT2-GT6-GTF.html GT2Z/GT6Z/GTFZ Gazebo Connectors http://www.frameconnector.com/ DOME KITS INFO   This site is great for the Do-It-Yourselfer. You can create your own hexagon connector, Simpson Strong-tie makes their Gazebo Connector # GT6Z. They are listed under Home Project Connectors in their catalog. You may have to order these. A box of 8 will cost under $50. It can also be adapted with some effort to fit a pentagon hub. Be sure to check out their cool "Earth Ball Dome". Dome Kits owner builder option is intended for those people who want to cut their own Dome Kits and save from purchasing over priced kits from the dome manufactures. All the information is in this website to cut and fabricate the components to build a 3 or 4 frequency geodesic dome structure from wood or light gauge steel. This information is designed to share some simple and inexpensive dome building methods that we have been using for over thirty-five years. All components are patented, licensed and certified by the Underwriters Laboratories and can be purchased from your local hardware store and construction supply house. You can act as your own general contractor, project manager and design consultant in every phase of construction and build sweat equity in the process. Dome Kits main goal and inspiration is to build a better way of life with the use of modern materials and innovative designs. Dome Kits continues to design affordable housing for as many people as possible. Dome Kits manufacturers single-family homes, condominium units, multi-family homes and commercial structures. Dome Kits specialty is spherical structures for any use, with the ability of being independent, self-sustaining habitats. Dome Kits is a diversified full-service building contractor. Offering the most affordable dome kits for the do-it-yourselfer or for turnkey custom homes. From consultation to design and engineering of your dome kit plans to the manufacturing and prefabrication of your dome kits. Dome Kits continues to provide the most user friendly dome kits. Creating energy efficient, low cost dome homes has been the driving force to designing and engineering structurally sound dome kits with a novice owner build construction method. Contact our experts to initiate a detailed discussion about the needs and budget allocated to your project, and learn how Dome Kits corporate strength can be placed solidly behind your project requirements. Dome Kits • Phone: (704) 701-5331 • in...@sphericalstructures.com FOR A FIVE WAY HUB: STARPLATES   These have been around for a long time. They are being sold by "Strombergs" a seller of chicks (not women or young ladies) & game birds. Click on the "Starplate Building Systems link" to go to the Starplate page. I don't know who else sells these. Stamped on the Starplates i have owned is: "EAST-WEST DESIGN INC" but i have never been able to locate this business on the internet. They were very popular years ago. The picture on the right is an example of someone building a small cabin using starplates. I have viewed these starplate frames closeup and i think they are hard to sheath with plywood or OSB because of the odd angles they produce. Click here to view sample construction project using starplates. These metal connectors create a one (single) frequency dome. “Build Any Small Structure You Need, Easily & Economically! Starplates are steel plates, with channels to hold 2x2's, 2x3's or 2x4's. You simply drill holes in each end of 25 struts of equal length and bolt them into the 11 star plates to build a solid, mini-dome framework in UNDER TWO HOURS! Using STARPLATE FRAME CONNECTORS anyone can erect a sturdy, good looking building . . . in record time and using up to 15% less material and labor than conventional construction would require. Set includes 11 starplates, complete instructions, bill of materials, dimensions achieved by using various sized struts, and helpful suggestions.” Strombergs' Chicks • PO Box 400 • Pine River MN 56474 USA • Toll Free: (800) 720-1134 • Phone: (218) 587-2222 • Fax: (218) 587-4230 Gallery of images GT2Z: Connects 2x rafter and top plate to post in six-sided gazebo. Adds strength and rigidity to 3-way connection. GT2 Installation: 12 each 10dx1 1/2" nails (galvanized). GT6Z: Connects six 2x rafters at top of six-sided gazebo. GT6 Installation: Use two GT6Z connectors with one above and one below rafters. Use 18 each 10x1½" nails or 18 each #8x1¼ screws (galvanized). GTFZ: Connects bottom 2x rim joists to post in six-sided gazebo. Allows installation over post base for adjustable height of rim joists. GTF Installation: Post: 10-16d nails. Rail: 10-10dx1 1/2" nails (galvanized) Material: 16 gauge Finish: ZMAX® only top Gallery:   roll over images below to see larger image     GT2Z U.S. Patent 5,236,273 GT2Z GT6Z U.S. Patent 5,236,273 U.S. Patent Number 5,197,241 GT6Z GTFZ U.S. Patent 5,236,273 GTFZ Gazebo connectors make six-sided gazebo construction easier, safer, and stronger. SIMPSON PDF CATALOG: http://www.strongtie.com/ftp/catalogs/c-2011/C-2011.pdf