I have built a 8" Truss scope before, and I realized (for me anyhow) that after I was finished that maybe I should have gone with a tube. To me a 10" is the largest I would go with a tube design (though I did make a 13.1" tube, what a monster) Making a truss for a 8" inch is OK to "train" you in making another truss of a much larger size. Starting small is a good way to go for practice. Since you already have a 8", can`t you just save just a little longer for a larger one? Orion does (or they did recently) have 10" mirrors, but they aren`t advertised. Call them to see if they have anymore. Coulter might have 10" f/4.5 & f/5.6. Anyway, I would build a tube only because I think a 8" is too small for one. But....you can indeed build a truss for a 8" for good experience in the future in the understanding of truss design. Either way you can`t lose. Good Luck!!

• RE: RE: Truss Tube or Sonotube - Walt Hamler - May 28, 2000 - 22:59 UTC