[ATM] Cutting the sonotube for a dobsonian

["A. Marc Passy" <marc.public@passy.us>]

I'm starting to look at building a dobsonian, and I've got a question. It 
seems to me that one could put in substantial cutouts (expecially 
longitudinally) before affecting the ridity of the tube. Has anyone cut out 
any sections of the sonotube to make it lighter and to add ventilation? Any 
experience with how much can be cut out before comprimising the rigidity of 
the tube? 

Could the tube be compressed along the longitudinal axis with string and 
rings top & bottom restore some rigidity? (Unfortunately, my engineering 
education was just enough to make me dangerous without actually letting me 
know anything. ;)

Marc
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