ATM ...on homebuilt EQ mounts

["Jim Piunti" <jim_piunti@email.msn.com>]

Been reading about the construction of DIY equatorial mounts and noticed
something I thought a bit odd. In two different books I read that if you
construct a mount using threaded plumbing pipe that the fittings are almost
always too loose. You must take up the play between the threads with a
mixture of oil and 220 grit or even good old dirt. That struck me as a
little too 'low tech'.

Had an idea (as I was changing my shower head!) of using a generous amount
of teflon tape around the thread - so much so that it provides more than
just the water seal it's intended for. If you build it up enough, it seems
to me that it will not only take up the play in the threads, but provide a
smoother, more lubricated movement.

Good idea? Better ideas?

> Jim <