(ATM) composite tubes

John Q. Runchey (johnr@centaur-e.eurpd.csg.mot.com)
Tue, 15 Aug 1995 10:35:08 -0500

Well I think I finally hit on my final tube decision. I picked up an 8" piece of sonotube the other day (actually Menard's brand, which seems a bit thinner walled than sonotube), and at the same time noticed wood veneer available in 24" by 48" sheets. I think what I'm gonna do is veneer the outside of this tube, then cover it with fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin (the cloth then becomes transparent). This should make for a strong, lightweight and nice looking tube, without the headaches associated with gluing up and smoothing a multi-segment wooden beast. Of course I'll epoxy coat the interior of the tube also to seal out moisture.

Now if only all the house remodelling projects were complete I could devote full time to the scope.... :(

John