Secondary cage material

[cristian abarca]

Hi guys I'm trying to convert my 10 inch newtonian into a truss telescope. Does anyone know where I can get Kydex plastic for the secondary cage, or something similar? I have emailed a number of plastic manufacturers/suppliers, and I intend to visit some tommorow, but it seems to be a hard item to find.

Regards Cristian

[Vermin]

Don't use Kydex, its large thermal expansion coefficient makes it entirely unsuitable. It pulls away from the cage as it contracts on cold nights. It is also easily dented.

Better alternatives are:

1) Bench top Laminex, a little bit heavy but easy to obtain in a wide range of colours and very sturdy

2) Open cell foam sheet, light but not as sturdy as Laminex.

[Darkplague]

For my cage I will be using the left over ebony star laminate,
Sholud work fine, just go to any kitchen making place and they should have plenty of offcuts for you to choose from!

[cristian abarca]

Thanks guys

Regards Cristian

[Roger Davis]

If you use a substance like "kydex" you can solidify it in your oven (about 200°) so that it minimises expansion and contraction as well as giving it reasonable strength to avoid dings and bumps.