Hey,
I have just read your post and wondered if i could ask you some questions about wooden hubs?

Im making several domes the largest being 21m diameter and was wondering if they is anywhere on the net where i can find out more info on making them?

or if not would you be able to tell me any info you may have on making wooden hubs? Im making the domes out of 2 1/2 inch fencing posts. Any info you may have will be truly helpful.

Many thanks

Martin

Can someone recommend an inexpensive connector?

Spherical Design Engineers.com
We have three basic wood geodesic dome connection systems in use today. The steel hub connector at the node points. The panelized triangle panel that bolts threw the struts side by side and the screw together nodes with the axial and radial angles cut to create a mitered fit. (You need a radial arm saw to cut 60-degree angles). Rectangular structures and geodesic structures are required to use plywood to create shear quality. Proper nailing of plywood shear panels is part of the nailing inspection to create a code-approved structure. The plywood ties each strut together to create the structural integrity of the structure. The panelized dome kits rely only on the bolts to hold the panels together. Any time you drill holes in your wood strut you are undermining the structural integrity of the wood. Geodesic dome structures do not have a uniform building code and must require independent engineering stamps. Condensation, wood rot and pest cause the greatest damage to wood structures. Light gauge steel studs out perform wood and now cost the same. Spray on urethane foam insulation is your best moisture barrier and insulator. With superior adhesive ability it adds great structural strength to any structure, especially geodesic dome structures. Spherical Geodesic Structures.com

Hey there, haven't had much experience with the metal connectors, except the variety I've seen on playground domes with the tubular steel construct... I'd imagine that wood-to-wood connections are better for a number of reasons: 1) over-all strength, 2) durability (strength over time), 3) ease of construction, and 4) total lack of specialized hardware (such as the metal hubs, of course), scaffolding, heavy equipment, etc. Besides which, why should you have buy the metal hubs when the geometry can be plugged-in and the struts can be easily crafted to the right length and angles using a compound-mitre saw (the cost which would buy the connectors)??? This all being the case for a contained, unexposed structure such as that within a dome-home or other. Look into the hubless node technique (with drop-in panel system)...that's my fav. Or drop me a line and I'll explain...