logistics of using an equitorial platform with a t

I have decided to purchase an equatorial platform from Tom Osypowski for my 16” DOB. But I would like to get connected with someone who is using one to help me resolve two questions.

First, how practical is it to keep the scope assemble and the platform as two separate units. This would allow me to keep the ground board and roller assemble that is a part of the telekit construction. I am puzzled about how you would mate the two in the field?

Second, seems most people have the wood version. Is this just because the aluminum is a relatively new offering? Seems its principle advantage is lower weight and higher stiffness. But there is a cost associated with these positives.

If there is a reader who has a DOB on one of Toms platforms in the Houston, TX area I sure would like to take a look at how you get it mounted in the field, or how you have made the permanent attachment.

Ed

My EQ Platform is made of wood and I have two mounting methods. There is a large hole in the center where my 10" scope mounts with a plywood disk that is located with the pivot bolt through it on the ground board. The 3 feet screw off and the ground board sits on the platform with the disk inserted in the top board of the EQ Platform.
The 14.5" uses three replacement feet that are 2" long and 1" in diameter that fit 3 holes in the top of the platform and the ground board fits flush with the top of the EQ Platform.

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Ed Fraini said:
Second, seems most people have the wood version. Is this just because the aluminum is a relatively new offering? Seems its principle advantage is lower weight and higher stiffness. But there is a cost associated with these positives.
Ed

Wood is reputed (in a generic sense) to damp vibrations better than metal.
Thats why I also went for the wood version for my 16" scope. I think in
this size the weight and stiffness (wood vs. aluminum) are not really an issue.