The idea was to drop the weight on the 10" newt not build a new scope. In retrospect it's probably a wiser move to put those pennies in the bigger mount moneybox
I build carbon fiber tubes with and without core. I can build the tube with a aramid honeycomb or with a hard foam core.
The hard foam core is the stiffest, the honeycomb ist the lightest.
For example will cost a 300/1200mm tube with 9mm wall and hard foam core and vanish/polished carbon fiber surface about 350 Euro. Shipping cost if the tube is 1200mm or shorter for about 60 Euro. Weight of the tube is about 4 Kg. With a aramid honeycomb and a 8mm wall the tube will weight 2,5 kg and cost about 500 euro.
Of course i can build all other diameters and length, but i didnīt found a shipping method for tubes longer than 1200mm, or no cheap shipping.
Ah!
Hi Klaus. I've recommended you to a couple of people.
Hopefully, by June, all my farm expenses will have calmed down and I can order (and possibly even pay for,)one of your tubes.
Peter
I tried them and they don't seem to manufacture tubes in anything like telescope size.
There is however a company in NZ that will make tubes sutable for a 10" scope IF it can get something like a dozen orders (I think).
They have to order a mandrel specifically for them and specs need to be decided.
I'm really gung-ho about getting a CF tube as just about all metal 10"+ scopes are too heavy for my mount.
I also know of a local business here in Brissy who have a purpose built carbon fibre weaving machine for making rocket tubes. These tubes are super tough. Contact me if you want their details.
has stretchable carbon fibre sleeves that can be slid over a tube and epoxied in place, price is reasonable. Much easier way to make a tube.
Hope this helps,
cheers Gary
not a new lead, but thought i'd share my experience with Kaus's CF tube.
I just retrofitted a Carbon Fibre Foam Core tube for my 10inch Mirrors and has been the best investment I've made.
I got the tube from Klaus in Germany as mentioned.
The tube is 7.5mm thick as its a foam core which is what is recommended for AP.
Its extremely rigid and strong enough to hold the entire weight without tube rings. so I got Celestron Dovetail and screwed it on and it holds the weight with no issues.
can't recommend it enough.
one more major advantage i've found is that the foam core acts as an insulation meaning I've never had to turn on my secondary dew heater in a recently wet night at heathcote and other dripping wet nights.
Another member had a skywatcher CF tube next to me and it was dripping wet inside.
btw, i have no affiliation with Klaus. just a very happy customer.
Thanks a lot Alistair! Klaus seems to be the CF tube man for us then. Thanks for the heads up on which to get - "foam core" I've written to him to see if he can help me. Hope he is still making them.
Josh, you PM'd me what am I doing [!], yep, I'm going to retrofit the Planewave to look like an RCOS, with a real CF tube.
Terry said I should just buy the RCOS 12" thats for sale on Astromart.
fwiw I have a large foam cored carbon fiber tube for sale. Its 2550L x 750D air duct so would suit a telescope from say 24" - 28". As it is 2nd hand and was trialled for use in underground mining it has some superficial blemishes, scratches and minor punctures, none of which compromise it structurally. With some TLC paid to repairing the blemishes and removing paint the tube is good enough to make a feature out of the CF by applying a clear finish, but for the best and quickest result I would just fill the blemishes and paint the tube in a colour.
If interested contact me via PM. I may even be able to deliver.
)one of your tubes.
