Section 5 - Setup and take down

In setting up this style of pavilion, it does have one feature that the star pavilions does not. It is quick to set up. I will cover the setup including the inner lining. Depending on materials used for the fabric covering we could be looking at 3 to 4 large tote boxes, but with space age materials I believe this can be down to 1 tote box.

You drive up to a site, with this pavilion and since it is 20 feet wide you will need an area that measures an min of 28 feet x 28 feet. Begin with the ground trap if you have one. This should be 20 ft x 20 ft or you may choose to use two 12 x 20 tarps. If using the later these traps can be installed later.

Next unpack the center column and assemble all parts – this will include the base disk, base column, tinker toy, upper center pole, rope disk and either the finale or banner pole. If you are using a banner pole it is now time to prepare your banner along with the inner and outer roof panels. The roof panels will go on before installing the banner pole (I will mention banner pole from hereon in but will also apply to the finale). Add the rope disk and thread on the banner pole to secure. Next tie the three guild ropes to the eye screws on the rope disk and position two of these ropes at roughly 120 degrees to each other. Secure the rope to the ground by using a tent peg. These should be a 10-inch spike with a fender washer to make the tent peg. Do not trust the plastic ones that camping supplies sell.

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Shown here is the diagram of the ground tent peg anchor points indicated by black dots on the base of the tent and the guild ropes to the guild anchor pins

Now that this step is completed it is time to stand the center pole up, and secure the third rope by method of a 10-inch spike. See diagram

Next take out the spokes and begin inserting these into the holes in the circumference of the tinker toy. With an added feature that I have previously mention use the attached ropes from the center upper column that are midway on the center upper pole, and quick snap then into the loop midway on the spokes. This will sure as a temporary hand and also as insurance, in setting up the tent. Bring out the wall panels and install these to the spokes first, than the roof panel through the grommet with the finale. Once completed use tent stakes and secure the wall panel base to the ground. Next move in the camp furniture, and install the drapery panels if you chose this option, and you are now set up.

Tip: From setting up the frame and with the weight of the canvas, you may want to install a couple of spokes temporary by using the diagonal ropes. This will act as a brace similar to that used in cranes, to prevent the weight of the canvas from breaking the center upper pole

To tear down reverse the instructions of the setup.

Tip: In my experience in setting the frame up for the first time, I believe that one person can setup this style of pavilion within 20 minutes, and depending on camp furniture may take another 20 minutes. 40 minutes to setup and roughly the same to take down, means more time to play. The star pavilion with all its methods, the tent takes me upwards to two hours to setup, never mind the camp furniture.

Closing:

However for those that have help in setting up a star pavilion it may take the same amount of time to setup. but in most cases I cannot obtain help in setting up and I am tired of spending hour after hour, usually upwards to 4 hours to setup and the same to take down – this includes camp furniture – that I have decided to make the 12 spoke medieval pavilion. From what I have experience already on this type of construction in setting just the frame, and that was to take photos and measurements to write this article, it had taken me 20 minutes. Without taking pictures and notes, the frame actually took 5 minutes by itself.

I myself am not an e-commerce supporter, but rather the support of the old style brick and mortar stores. I personal like to see the product up close, and check the quality of the materials that are available, and I believe that there is a better selection at the brick and mortar stores. Some suppliers may have catalogs on line, but for the most they, are from the United States and not from Canada, however I have found connections of reliable suppliers.

The photos, diagrams, notes and documentation are the property of Lady Christiana Elizabeth Constable. For those that wish to use my materials for teaching please get in touch with Lady Christiana Elizabeth Constable for permission before using. For those that choose to have Lady Christiana Elizabeth Constable, the course is broken in two - two hour, sessions. For cost and availability for teaching, and permission send an Email to: pheasant01@yahoo.com

Finished 12 spoke Medieval pavilion - completed May 2011 for Connacht Stepping Down Coronet at Lumby British Columbia

Interior view without the drappery division showing the lining. This photo was taken with no flash to show the amount of natural light, coming through the light color materials of the roof. The interior roof is shown in the third photo below.

The porch addition added to the 12 spoke Medieval parvilion

Note in setting up the pavilion a couple of problems resulted, which are minor problems to fix. Problem one is the finales, please use to thread bolt nut inserts, install one into the shalf (spoke) at one end, and the other in the finale. Cut from 1/4 threaded rod 3 inch lengths and make sure these thread easy into the inserts. With this method one will not damage the thread on the bolt, and will be able to position the pavilion panels by ones self. In installing the spokes into the ticker toy thread the bolt into the bolt insert in the spoke, allowing for about a 1 3/4 inch section of the threaded rod to be exposed. This will allow one to position the gormets of the tent panels to be position before threading the finales.  Problem two, is the base disk. Drill one hole large enough near the edge of the disk, and make sure it is loose enough to accept the diameter of a 10 inch common nail. This will help to secure the center pole from sliding around once it is in position.

Extra photos and notes may be added to this documentation as the project continues.

For those that wish to make this style of pavilion for your own use, you are welcome to use the information provided herewithin.