ATM 18 point Mirror mount

["Esparza, Luis" <LEsparza@harman.com>]

I am putting together the parts for an 18 point mirror mount.  Right now
I am cutting the triangles as per an article in Sky and Telescope
(Referenced on Mel's page).  I am using 1/4 Phenolic for the triangles
and related arms. 

Questions:

The triangles are on ball joint type hardware used in Model Airplanes.
Each triangle is free to tilt in any direction.  Does the arm that
connects the two triangles together also need a ball joint type
connector or can it have a single axis of freedom much like a balance
beam scale?

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or

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                   O

I have seen some pictures of other mounts on the web which use springs
to keep the triangles in the proper orientation.  Dobson's video shows
the use of thin paper for the same reason.  Which is better?

I've seen quite a bit of conversation about RTV for mounts.  If I choose
to use RTV would it be in place of the Teflon pads  on the triangles or
in some other configuration like dots on a sheet of wood or metal?

Some of the literature I've read has little information on the actual
building of the mounts especially an 18 point.  Any thoughts?

Thx,  Lui