Re: ATM Flat mounting plate for solid tube?

["Frank Ward" <thewards@mindspring.com>]

Pete,

The accepted method of getting a flat plate on a round surface
is to install rails on the flat plate that are beveled to the tube shape.

Then use machine screws from the plate thru the tube and nuts
inside the tube. If your focuser is square with the plate and the
rails are square on the plate you are pretty much assured of
a square focuser.

Frank Ward
Atlanta, GA
www.telecrafters.com
----- Original Message -----
From: <Xakxak@aol.com>
To: <atm@shore.net>
Sent: Friday, April 28, 2000 12:08 PM
Subject: ATM Flat mounting plate for solid tube?


>
> Does anyone have experience installing a flat mounting plate on a solid tube.  I
figured if I could do that it would be easier to square the focaser if there was a
mounting plate that was square to attach it to.  Seems it would be alot sturdier as well.
>      The sonotube I am using (14") is alot thicker than the 8-12" tubes (from 14" and
up the tubbing is thicker) so I don't think it would effect the strenth of the tube by
cutting a chunk out of it for this project (if that is neccessary).  Is this a good idea
or is it just as difficult to to square a mounting plate?  Would it make the focaser
profile too low or make the focaser tube interfere with the light path?  Should I even
bother since I have a fairly strong tube?  Any tips?
>
> FYI:  O.D. = 14 1/4"
>       I.D. = 13 15/16"
>       Wall thickness = 3/16"
>       Primary mirror = 12.5"
> TIA!
> -Pete
>