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MattT
30-05-2013, 10:10 AM
Over the past few months I have put together this wooden tripod for my refractor. Where the legs attach to the top of the tripod I have used 24 hour Araldite, clamped and left for a few days to cure.
My question: Is the glue strong enough on its own? or should I put in a bolt or decking screw/s for a bit more holding power? Never have worked with this glue before so I have no real idea as to its stickability.
Wood used is Vic Ash 70 X 35 mm for legs etc. the whole thing weighs in at 23kg's. Have tried it once with the f8 6" on an HEQ5 EQ head and its solid as a rock. Damping time is under 2 seconds, the usual metal legs were around 4 secs.
So far so good, any suggestions gladly welcomed.:thanx:
Matt

mental4astro
30-05-2013, 10:26 AM
The 24hr stuff is plenty strong, Matt. It won't come undone if the two surfaces were clean to start with. If you want something to last, don't use any other epoxy with a faster curing time.

Only reason you may like to put screws into it is as a decorative element, to give the impression of it being built bomb proof - which it already is. Nice shiny stainless steel dome head screws look spiffy.

The tripod look nice, mate.

MattT
03-06-2013, 07:41 PM
Thanks Alex, good to know the glue is as good as the blurb says it is, and I did follow the instructions with application (always the best to follow manufacturer's instructions)... 'bomb proof' never thought of it as that but it is solid. My wife even noticed it and was impressed. She normally starts yawing at the mention of astronomy and scopes :lol: The next bit is a tray for batteries etc down lower, and then some kind of finish....I'm thinking Haymes water based decking oil in either clear or a Jarrah, not sure which.
Will post pix of the finished product when I get there....TBC
Matt

leon
03-06-2013, 08:29 PM
Nice job Matt, and the Araldite will work fine, but ordinary wood glue would have been even better, and it dries clear, just a tip, MHO only

Leon