Since I just finished my 8" string scope, I now ready to start on the next scope project, converting my local astronomy club's 14" scope into a modern truss tube dob. I'm hoping to only have to outlay a couple of hundred dollars for wood and perhaps a new focuser and everything else will come from the existing scope.
The current design decision is around how to clamp the truss tubes. I understand that having the clamps on the outside of the mirror box is nice because you have the widest possible base for the triangle, making it the most stable. But I don't like the look and there is always the issue of how you get around/through the altitude bearing.
So I'm thinking of using corner blocks to clamp the tubes, two tubes per clamp. Are there any cons to this method?
I'm also toying around with the idea of using clampless supports for the lower truss tube connections, similar to this. Has anybody tried this before?
Thanks -- Craig
The current design decision is around how to clamp the truss tubes. I understand that having the clamps on the outside of the mirror box is nice because you have the widest possible base for the triangle, making it the most stable. But I don't like the look and there is always the issue of how you get around/through the altitude bearing.
So I'm thinking of using corner blocks to clamp the tubes, two tubes per clamp. Are there any cons to this method?
I'm also toying around with the idea of using clampless supports for the lower truss tube connections, similar to this. Has anybody tried this before?
Thanks -- Craig
