ATM atm scope design

[Michael.DiBrino@amd.com (Michael Dibrino)]

> I am about to start polishing my first mirror, 8" f7, and have started to
> think seriously about the tube and mount design.  I am considering making
> the tube out of PVC, but I am not sure if such large diameters of the
> stuff exist or how well it performs.  Does anyone have any experience with
> this?  I am also trying to come up with a VERY portable equatorial mount
> that is also easy to build.  Any suggestions would be appreciated. 

I believe that PVC is a very heavy material.

You might want to consider going to a more lightweight material
(such as sonotube or even an open truss)

regards,
michael