Need a quick answer, please......

Hello everyone,
I am in the process of building my observatory. I have a few days free with my men and would like to get slab poured, quickly. My question is: I would like to install concrete pier when I pour the slab. But, I am not sure how tall to build it, other than to take height off one of my tripods I have. Please, do not ask me a million questions about different mounts and scopes I will be mounting on this.:-) I change scopes a few times, can't keep the same one all the time right....Thanks, again....Clyde L.

Clyde,

I built my pier about 8" above my floor level and then mounted a steel pier to the top of it. That way I can change my pier to match my mounts when needed.

If at all possible, get the pier done first and completely isolate it from the floor. As for height, I'd rather have it be too short than too tall. It's easier to add than subtract height. Include good mounting bolts in the pier and some conduit for cables (present and future). Good luck.

Hello Everyone,
Just wanted to say thanks for all comments. I will take everyone's advice. Will post later on exactly what I did and hopefully have a picture to send soon.
Thanks very much,
Clyde

As well as what the other posters have said, make the pier pad large in diameter. Say you now have a great polaris mount you want to install. But what happens when you want to install that AP 1200 or Millenium, or larger? I would keep the pad to maybe a foot above floor level and then big enough around to support something bigger down the road. Make sure the attaching J bolts are large in diameter too and spaced out accordingly. That way you can attach a large diameter base plate and add to that as needed.