Quote:
Originally Posted by Satchmo
I know a very skilled sheet metal worker who could replace the steel tube with aluminium and do all the internal baffles too and put reinforcing plate under the focuser. That might be an option if weight is the only factor. You won't get so many boxes ticked for that money in the Apo department .
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Mark, i will consider that. Doesn't aluminium flex more than steel when used in that sort of construction or does it have to be build thicker to compensate? What about thermal expansion?
I have emailed Teleskop-Express to see if they can provide a carbon tube for the MN190. The stock MN190 tube appears to be the same basic steel tube as the 8" Skywatcher f5 newt but with the baffling added. TS already provide a Skywatcher 8" f5 newt carbon tube at a reasonable price of about 400 euro. If i could get a MN190 carbon tube, with baffles, with focuser bore positioning correct, it seems ideal. Lighter in weight, more thermal stability, stiffer, etc