PDA

View Full Version here: : CF tubes


LewisM
02-11-2012, 11:45 PM
As some may know, I got a carbon fibre tubeNorthgroup ED127 refractor recently.

Regarding the CF, what sort of temperature is safe for the resin itself? Would using dew heaters at maximum compromise the resin in any way, even as much as cosmetic? Is there potential for warpage if left in the sun? (was considering some solar obs). And generally, how strong are the tubes? I remeber seeing some early tubes crack, shatter or chip badly - I hope there has been advances since then!

And lastly, painting the tube would not be detrimental in any way, even solvent based paint (or epoxy 2 pack)? The tube as is is VERY slick, and wouldn't mind matting it down a little for grip and aesthetics (rather a whie tube - they see better dontcha know!)

blink138
03-11-2012, 03:05 AM
leave the bloody thing alone!
CF is beautiful and functional
if it is hardy enough for the space shuttle, F1 cars and the A 380 i dont think it is going to melt in the sun is it?!
pat

Kunama
03-11-2012, 07:21 AM
I doubt that the dew heater will ever get hot enough to damage the resin, painting the CF ota will however devalue it in most peoples eyes.

LewisM
03-11-2012, 08:33 AM
:) OK, I won't paint it... yet. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder I guess.