Footing for a sundial pedestal

[Stonehenge]

I'm working on a design that I want to include a sundial with. Something like this (http://www.outdoordecor.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online-store/scstore/p-AWC2047.html?L+scstore+vpct0343Google-Sundialsff5e035e+1055290379). It will be in the center of a small circular bed surrounded by pavers. It was inspired by this (http://www.groundtradesxchange.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=2066). But I'm thinking of retaining wall block or mortared limestone as a pedestal (2'x2', 3' tall).

What kind of footing would you install for something like this? I'm looking at the Unilock catalog for something similar, and it looks like a slab that's about 3" think, 8-10" underground, with another 10" of crushed stone beneath it.

Does this sound about right?

[diginahole]

I thick 3" think will be fine...har har har.

I usually skip the concrete under the pillars, just compacted gravel. I make the base 42" x 42" for a 20 x 20 pillar. I find 4 units high (pisa II corners) plus a 4" cap looks best.

There has been occasion to use a slab under pillars, but I would skip it in this situation. I once built pillars 4' high that had an iron gate in between the pair. I used concrete under them.

[Rex Mann]

I would use a three inch base like a pisa coping over your base. That's how I did pisa pillars. Put on piece of coping down 24x24 and level it then go to town on the corners.

Peace,

Rex