Thanks Bill and Rod.
I'm still trying to work out which design will be the easiest to build.
Not sure if i want to try and make the conical shape for the north and south bearings, as that will take some ingenuity on my part to make them with the tools I have currently. Really wishing i had a table saw right now
However there are additional complications with going the VNS route (Vertical north segment, which has no conical shape. But it has to be mounted at a specific angle to compensate I believe).
Rod would you mind posting a pic of your platform showing the underside of the top board. I'm assuming you used the conical north & South bearings in your design?
Also does the stepper motor provide any unwanted vibrations? I know I have some vibration from the stepper in my barn door tracker but it is small enough to not be causing any issues for the widefield work I've been doing.
But at magnification this may become problematic?