Re: [ATM] Fiberglass tubes

[Daniel Fundo <fundo@bellsouth.net>]

<<  Parks Optical in Simi Valley, California has been
making pretty nice fiberglass telescope tubes since
the 1950's.  >>

The 16 inch fiberglass tube I used when I originally built my 12.5 was
from Parks.  It was a beautiful piece of work.  The outside has a white
gel coat that withstood much abuse.  After sitting outside in the
weather  for 6-7 years (many days over 100 degrees, a handful down in
the 20's, about 300 inches of rain!) it is now showing some longitudinal
cracks and is no longer glossy.  It will still support my 200 lbs
without collapsing!!!  the only problem is that the 5.5 ft length I used
was a bit over 30 lbs.

As I mentioned to Mike Lockwood, surface preparation is everything
whether you want to paint a surface or stick flocked paper to it.  Clean
the surface as best you can, but before you stick the flocking on it,
wet the surface with cleaning fluid (or Ronsonol Lighter Fluid) and wipe
it dry.  Cleaning fluid and lighter fluid are almost pure naphtha.  They
evaporates completely without leaving any residue.  

*****-----
Dan F.
Former Secretary/MAS
Memphis, TN
_______________________________________________
ATM mailing list http://www.atmlist.net/