Hi Alex
I have just this weekend cut 5cm from my 12" GSO OTA to attain focus for my Canon 40DH. I had rings made for the OTA and am using the standard skywatcher dovetail.
I am not so happy with the sloppyness of the ring dovetail fit. Your idea of a longer dovetail without rings sounds like a good idea. If it works out well for you I will probably do the same. I have tried a hargreaves strut which does help a bit in the north /south axis but not east/west.
I am still waiting for the focus extender so am unable to use visually now.
This evening I will reassemble the scope (paint must be dry by now. The GSO paint job was terrible and lasted a year before rust spots started to show) and hope the weather is good so I can take my first astropic.
Good luck with your mods and keep us posted on your progress.
Regards
Steve
