[ATM] Wooden Truss "Tubes"

[Jay Kirkland <jaykirk2@compusmart.ab.ca>]

    I haven't heard of anyone doing this before, so I'm assuming the 
answer is no. But just in case: has anyone built a 16 - 24" scope using 
wooden truss tubes?
    Years ago I read somewhere that the strongest structural shape was a 
hollow wooden beam. By my quick calculations, a 2" square beam made of 
1/4" baltic birch and perforated with aircraft-type lightening holes 
that reduced it's weight about 1/2 would weigh less than  a 1 1/2" OD  
.049 aluminum tube. Or it could be 3/8" thick  on 2 sides and 1/8 on the 
other two, for better glue surfaces. It would still be tremendously 
stiff, vibration free?, and being square or rectangular attaching to 
mirror boxes, etc, would be much simpler.
    I'm thinking about trying this but before I re-invent the wheel, 
does anyone know of anyone who has already done this, and if so with 
what success?
    Jay
   

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