I, too, am planning on splitting my tube into two sections (a 10" f/6.4). My tube is aluminum and I will be machining two flanges that I will mate to the halves. The flanges will be keyed so that collimation will be relatively close upon re-assemblies. Now, the question remains as to what to use to clamp the halves/flanges together with.
I am a bit uneasy with the idea of using inexpensive draw-catches (I will be doing some photography with the scope, and want a solid attach scheme to prevent any shifting). Also, it is relatively easy for someone (at a star-party) to fiddle with the things and presto, you have an upper tube section tumbling to the turf. I suppose I could make some sort of locking pin,etc, to keep the latches from being easily unlatched.
Perhaps there are some high-quality (and high-force) draw catches available that would, in fact, work well. I want something that looks very nice (this is an all-machined scope) and is compact. So far, I haven't found a latch that I like - anyone out there have any sources or suggestions?
My backup plan is to just use some socket head screws to bolt the flanges together (I know that will work..., it is just not as convenient).
Bob