I just received a 12" Dia X 4' aluminum tube of .094" thickness from Hastings Pipe Company for $119.36. This is to replace the irregular fiberglass/aluminum lousy tube that I have on my 10" f4.5 Newt.
It arrived in good condition in a cardboard box, with a square of plywood at each end by UPS Ground. No nicks, crimps, folds, punctures, nor any other damage that I could see, whatsoever. The ends are clean and cut square.
At .094" thick, I didn't need any stiffening at the ends and the tube is quite round. The welded seam is well finished and shouldn't even be visible when I'm finished. My previous locally made welded tube for my 6" had a very thick irregular weld and took mucho grinding and work to clean it up. It cost me the same as this tube!
I had my other tube powder coated and used Krylon Ultra-Black spray paint for the interior. It worked well and looked very good!
I'm still debating on the way to finish the exterior! I'll check the powder coat places again down here and see if I can get a 'deal' again! This time I'll make the holes for my Novak fittings, FIRST!
I thought that I'd share this with you ATMers, as, in the archives, I saw some problems with other people and Hastings Pipe Company. I'm extremely satisfied!
I should have this finished and together for my week at the Winter Star Party in Feb. 2008.
Mike
6" f6 Newt on GEM
10" f4.5 Newt on GEM
It arrived in good condition in a cardboard box, with a square of plywood at each end by UPS Ground. No nicks, crimps, folds, punctures, nor any other damage that I could see, whatsoever. The ends are clean and cut square.
At .094" thick, I didn't need any stiffening at the ends and the tube is quite round. The welded seam is well finished and shouldn't even be visible when I'm finished. My previous locally made welded tube for my 6" had a very thick irregular weld and took mucho grinding and work to clean it up. It cost me the same as this tube!
I had my other tube powder coated and used Krylon Ultra-Black spray paint for the interior. It worked well and looked very good!
I'm still debating on the way to finish the exterior! I'll check the powder coat places again down here and see if I can get a 'deal' again! This time I'll make the holes for my Novak fittings, FIRST!
I thought that I'd share this with you ATMers, as, in the archives, I saw some problems with other people and Hastings Pipe Company. I'm extremely satisfied!
I should have this finished and together for my week at the Winter Star Party in Feb. 2008.
Mike
6" f6 Newt on GEM
10" f4.5 Newt on GEM
