There is a little extra space where the apple tree used to grow between the end of the trellis and the rear fence. I decided I could use it for a cupboard to store the cases in which I keep all the accessories for the telescopes (eyepieces, cameras, adaptors, etc.). It was made entirely from off-cuts left over from the main structure
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This shows the framework of the cupboard. The large grey post is not part of the structure; it is the original post that supported the old trellis fence, which I have removed to give me access (and may never replace as we are thinking of stringing wires and growing one or two espalier fruit trees). The post does hide the vertical post to which the framework is attached on this side in just the same way as the other end. The framework is made of offcuts of the basic 47×50 timber, cantilevered from the wall frame and supported by diagonal braces of 47×22 timber the upper ones of which will also support a roof. The main structural problem was the four corners where three timbers meet at right angles. The horizontal joints are glued and secured by a single 3-inch screw into the end grain of the longer timber. I secured the vertical timbers with corner plates which also support the diagonal braces. I had intended to glue both the joints at the corner plates but the whole structure was so rigid without it that I saw no need. |
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Finally clad with ply. I intended to cover the roof with felt left over from the roof, but there was not enough. The roof took a whole roll with only about half a metre left over, so I shall either have to find something else or leave it as it is. The roof panel has been well soaked in Cuprinol, so it should be all right. However I have some pond liner left over from making a pond a few years ago, so I may try using that but I am concerned that it may not seal around nail holes in the way that felt does. The side plies are 6 mm, the roof and floor are 12 mm. Now I have to work out how to mount the shelves inside, but that can wait for now. |
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This is how I arranged it inside. I have these cases that I use to hold all the bits and pieces I need with the telescope and, for now at least, I shall continue to use them. The cupboard is wide enough to take two cases side by side, and I put in a shelf to hold two more with enough space above to open a case. The shelf is supported by a frame just like my table (except that the lap-joints are slightly different because of the way it is all supported). The rear member is screwed to the uprights of the frame, the side pieces are screwed to the diagonal braces and the front piece is supported by the side pieces. |