Following previous Reviewers recommendation I put this together opposite from the directions.  It went together fine and I have a nice straight pole.  There are 2 major issues.  1.  The pole is too heavy for the base and it continues to lean.  I'm fearful it's going to fall over.  2} Pole 4 does not screw into the base tightly.  There is a lot of wiggle, further adding to the pole leaning.  I plan on returning this before it falls over and someone gets hurt.