[ATM] recommendation on azimuth bearing surface

[Dave Smith <smithersscope@yahoo.com>]

Greetings Y'all,
I'm perplexed as to how to proceed with my mount. I'm
rebuilding the 16" trilateral dob and have completed
the ground ring and flex rocker, including the molding
of the threads and installation of bearing guides.
I've also made the mirrorbox and 3 altitude trunions
and molded threads on the center trunion. So far the
sucker is solid as a rock!
Now the question. I need to put a surface on the
ground ring that will hold up to the abuse of the 40
to 50 pound OTA rotating in azimuth on three ball
bearings. A 35 inch OD, 31 inch ID, 1/8 inch thick
stainless steel donut will set me back $150 to $200.
The same piece in A36 steel runs about $55 with
shipping. None of the locals were interested in
trading waterjet work for a view through the finished
scope.
 :o(
Alternatively, I could use a laminate or smooth
glassboard composite and route/machine it myself much
more inexpensively.

Would anyone care to advise on the merits or demerits
of using a laminate as a race underneath roller
bearings in the flex rocker?
Much obliged!
Dave


 
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