Tubes

[ntm]

Hello All.
I am a new member of this site.
I am hoping to avoid rule breaches with this question as it involves a new business I am trying to establish.
Apologies if I step over the line-this is not my intent and I shall "name no names"
I have been making some King Billy pine telescope tubes from home and need to know (primarily for a NEIS business plan- I intend to forge ahead anyway!) if there is a potential market for this product. I wont post details but input would be appreciated.
I look forward to becoming more involved with this site anyway.

[astrobloke]

Make carbon fiber tubes instead .... I'd buy one off you no problem.
Why do you want to make tubes out of wood. Wood is heavy and would have thermal problems and possible flexure issues. Everything is heading towards carbon fiber. There's a market for it these days and no-one seems to be making any carbon fiber telescope products in this country and I don't know why.

That's my 2 cents
Kane

[ntm]

Thanks for thoughts.
King Billy is an incredibly stable timber and very very light (<300 kg/m^3). I make the tubes out of approx 13mm wide, 6mm thick beveled strakes and then epoxy glass the whole outside with 2oz cloth and 3 coats of epoxy before varnishing. A 6" F7 tube comes in just over 2 kg complete.

[gbeal]

While I agree with Kane, and have built a carbon tube or two, maybe run the wooden concept a bit and compare. C/F is nice, it looks trendy and does all that an astro nut requires, but it comes at a cost. Unless you DIY then they are expensive, and it would be good to compare the product you are looking to supply with whatever a C/F or alloy tube costs.
I suggest you write to or contact Mike off forum and get his suggestions for "launching" this idea, that way you won't overstep the mark, assuming there is a mark to overstep.
Gary

[iceman]

There's certainly no mark being overstepped on here.

As far as I can tell, it's an interesting idea that he's getting some feedback/thoughts on, that's all.

:welcome: to IceInSpace, Rick.

[gbeal]

Holy Heck, sorry, welcome aboard as well.
So, there you have it, straight from the horses mouth, not one that is running this arvo either.
Post a picture and a few specs and let the masses decide for themselves.
Gary

[ntm]

Thanks for welcome fellahs.
I shall post some pics once I work out this damn camera s'ware.