Re: ATM ...on homebuilt EQ mounts

["Dan Chaffee" <dchaffee@gvi.net>]

> 
> 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. 

Hi Jim, I'm afraid teflon tape is not for a fitting that moves
anymore than what it takes to screw in and hold a seal. It 
becomes shredded with repeated turning.
 
> 
> Good idea? Better ideas?

Just make a simple dob mount or basic alt-azimuth. My experience with
turn-on-thread pipe fittings left alot to be desired, whether it be 
alt-az or GEM. If you go this way, the wider the pipes, the less it'll 
wobble. I favor equatorials for my purposes, but it's not worth going 
for an equatorial design  unless it can be made very stout, smooth 
turning, and long lasting. Also, pipe fittings ain't as cheap as they
look!

D Chaffee
Kansas City, Mo.