Don't Overdo It - an Astronomy Net ATM Forum Message

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Don't Overdo It

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Posted by Walter Hamler on January 28, 2002 20:44:54 UTC

Having recently completed a 12.5 truss dob, I would say not to go overboard on strength to the point it becomes massivly heavy. I used 3/4" birch plywood and it was overkill. 1/2" would have been more than adequate with just a few corner gussets for added strength. My mirror was full thikness, so I would say your thinner 16" would not be that much heavier if at all.
I also used a tailgate and cut ventilation holes in the back. Worked fine, but that thick mirror takes forever to cool if there is a big difference in temps.
Good luck with the project. I'm just getting started on a 16 myself, but the mirror will be one inch plate!

Follow Ups:

Makes you wonder - gcarr - January 29, 2002 - 04:09 UTC
- All Wood - walter - January 29, 2002 - 12:57 UTC
  - Thanks - gcarr - January 29, 2002 - 20:50 UTC

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