[pfitzgerald (Paul)]

Hi Folks

I've managed to source locally some 273 mm (10.7") OD pipe with a thickness of 4.8 mm. I'll need to do some calculations myself but my questions run as follows.

1. Is this too large a diameter for a permanent pier that will for several years support a HEQ5-Pro with a SW BD ED120 refractor?

2. Would a pier of that diameter obstruct the scope and mount when viewing near the zenith?

3. Has anyone else used pipe of this size to make a pier themselves?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Paul