How do I shorten Meade Super Tripod legs?

I need to shorten my Meade Super Tripod's legs by 12 inches. I've read Rob't Bryce's article on doing it to a Celestron, but my Superpod is beefier and has no Allan set screws on the leg castings. (a) Does anyone know if the tripod and foot castings on either end are epoxyed on, or ??? (b) Is there a way to remove them without damaging the mount? (c) Are the leg tubes stainless steel or ??? (I'll take them to a machine shop for cutting.) And most important, (d) is this whole idea a bad one? Many thanks, Doug B, Santa Fe