Laminate for Dob base and bearings

[RichardJ]

Can anyone suggest a good laminate for a dob base and side bearings?
If so, any idea where I can source it.

Thanks for your help.

RichardJ :)

[Outcast]

Ebony star is I believe the laminate of choice...

Try here:

https://www.wilsonart.com.au/ebony-star-4552

I can't comment on it's availability these days but, the custom built dob that I have made by our own Mental4Astro uses this both axix & it is superb. Operation is one finger touch to move...

[RichardJ]

Thanks Carlton. Had a look at that but it is very expensive per sheet.
Looking for something a bit cheaper.

Richard.

[Outcast]

:thumbsup:

[astro744]

Ask a kitchen manufacturer or plastics supplier if they have any off-cuts of any laminate with a slightly textured surface. This and Teflon should be all you need. This was the advice I was given 20 years ago and still have the sheet of laminate because I haven't bothered to replace the LP record that I use as the azimuth bearing as it works well for me.

For the altitude bearings you will need some laminate although I've been lazy and still use 6" plumbing pipe caps on my 10" telescope (and an LP record underneath for the azimuth riding on Teflon). The LP is just a bit small in diameter for a 10" 'scope but I've not really had a problem. The altitude bearings could be larger but again work well enough for me also riding on Teflon.

[sn1987a]

I use this stuff Embossed Glasbord PIF white and black. Embossed fibreglass reinforced plastic sheet (FRP). From https://dctech.com.au/

cheers

[GrahamL]

Ask Peter Read from SDM , he cut me a piece of ebony star packed and posted well he always been most helpfull to us atmers I've found.



I dont believe ebony is still available so you may have to settle for another colour thats close .