Re: [ATM] Using brass

[Daniel Fundo <fundo@bellsouth.net>]

<<  I'm wanting to build an antique looking dob using brass tube for the
three struts (to keep weight down) as well as for connecting the two
halves of the primary and secondary mirror cage assemblies.  >>

Dan,  Someone must be reading the archives, or bugging my computer!!!
<G>  I have talked about such a scope numerous times on the list.  Mine
will be oak and "brass"

You can get anodizing or brass plating done if you wish for the truss
tubes.  You can also get a dull brass, or antique brass in powder coat.  

I saw a website some years ago that sold shrinkable sleeves for tubing
(aluminum, steel, PVC, whatever) for the advertising industry.  All you
need is a smooth finish on the tubing, and a heat gun.  The stuff is
something like 2 mil Mylar and comes in a whole rainbow of colors and is
quite scuff proof. (I scrounged some tubing from a display being tossed
out behind a store.  When I got it home, I discovered it was a "plastic"
layer on the aluminum.)  I just tried the URL, and its dead.  I'll look
around and see if I can find a new one.

As for a focuser, why not make a Crayford from wood.  I have plans if
you want them.  As for the finder tube, find some heet activated
adhesive veneer (like Rockler sells....add std disclaimer) and make it
from several layers of that.  I made one some time ago by just ironing
three layers together.  It wasn't as stiff as aluminum, but it weighed
next to nothing!.

*****-----
Dan F.
Memphis, TN
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