telling me. A 10" SCT isn`t going to require an "astronomical" pier in terms of construction, especially in the alt-azimuth mode. However, if I switch to a 16" SCT mounted equatorially, which would put the weight on a lever, I may need to rethink my strategy.

To reduce the potential stress on the pier even more, I`m thinking more along the lines of a field derotator than a wedge which would keep the bulk of the weight in line with the axis of the wedge.

I very much appreciate the time and thought you put into your answers!

best wishes
Brett