Re: ATM Ultra-lite Dobs using foam core components

[Andy Zangle <njzangle@optonline.net>]

Ray,
You might try this link for information on boat building techniques.
www.westsystem.com  I've used these products in both boat repair /
maintenance and ATM'ing. They make an aluminum cleaner and  acid combination
that allows gluing  with good results.  I bought some of it recently with
the idea of experimenting with foam core materials to rebuild my 14" scope.
(but never got around to trying it.)

I use the glue for most of my hobby projects -  I like the way you can use
the additives to make anything from structural filler to compound that sands
like wallboard compound.  I also like the mini pumps which make mixing
foolproof.  I have no affiliation with them  other than as a satisfied
customer.

Andy


----- Original Message -----
From: "Frank Ward" <thewards@mindspring.com>
To: "Ray Aldridge" <pbwriter@fwb.gulf.net>
Cc: <ATM@Shore.net>
Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2002 5:56 PM
Subject: Re: ATM Ultra-lite Dobs using foam core components


>
> Ray,
>
> Your comments remind me of the fast flying model aircraft hobby.
> There they use a foam core and a 1/64th skin of plywood which
> is fiberglassed. You could hit a baseball  to first base with the finished
> wing.
>
> Frank Ward
> Atlanta, GA
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Ray Aldridge" <pbwriter@fwb.gulf.net>
> To: <atm@shore.net>
> Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2002 4:21 PM
> Subject: Re: ATM Ultra-lite Dobs using foam core components
>
>
> >
> > On Thursday 03 January 2002 01:11, you wrote:
> > > >I once calculated the weights for a scope made with
> > > >foam-laminated-with-doorskins versus one made with 7/16" thick solid
> ply.
> > > >I
> > > >was surprised at how close the numbers were.
> > >
> > > The weight is not the only goal, the ratio weight/rigidity is much
> better.
> >
> > This is a good point.  Though I have no personal experience of using
these
> > techniques to make telescopes, a productive area of research for
would-be
> > lightweight telescope builders would be ultralight boatbuilding.  I've
> built
> > a couple of boats using stitch-and-glue plywood, and this would be an
> > interesting way to put together low-tech Dob mounts.  You could, I
think,
> > easily get away with using 1/4 inch ply if you incorporated strong
> curvature
> > into the mount.
> >
> > Builders of fast multihull sailboats have developed foam-core
construction
> to
> > a high art, as well as the use of lightweight woods such as cedar.  The
> foam
> > is encapsulated between layers of fiberglass or even carbon fiber.
Since
> > modern sailing rigs require very high rigidity, these techniques should
be
> > easily adaptable.  A number of books and articles in the sailing press
> > address these techniques.
> >
> > Ray
> >
>
>