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Have to back up Rolf's comments here re stability of the Serrurier truss design and construction.
Wood if sealed correctly with several good coats of varnish works and looks nice too. Paint, oil based will obviously work as well but doen't look half as nice, black being the exception possibly.
I got my alum tube for free, chuck outs from work, marketing stands etc but even buying from good old Bunnings they would have come in at under $100. The ply was a half sheet, $30 which provided rings and the cage brace. All up I spent maybe $300 tops to build the OTA, nuts, bolts, rivets etc etc.
When I finished I stood it on end in the driveway THEN stood on top of it. That's how strong it was.
It has been modifed several times now, mainly to accommodate photography and still holds collimation. Due to it's open design it is easy to clean the mirror in place, adjust anything by just moving the lower light shroud and is a one handed carry when I use it in DOB mode.
I haven't made a guitar string spider but after Rolfs comment above I might just give it some thought. How much are machine heads btw ?
The hardest part in the whole project was ensuring build accuracy of the parts so it all came together. Which is also what made it a worthwhile project for me.
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