[LewisM]

Preferrably an Australian wood species - I was thinking perhaps Tasmanian Oak is OK, or Jarrah (though heavy, not a concern).

I want to make a non-adjustable tripod for a Vixen/Celestron GP mount (since the Chinese tripod fitted to it is a shake-o-matic), and love wood, though don't want to spend the $900 for another Berlebach, so I will make one from suiably sized - or laminated to size - hardwood. Pine is most assuredly NOT in contention, so it will be Tassie oak or Jarrah, or whatever Bunnings has decent in stock.

Appreciate any advice. I will be basically following the Takahashi leg format, creating my own brackets out of flat stock aluminium and using some feet from an old surveyors tripod I picked up for $5 (2 legs are stoofed, feet are perfect)