Mirror cell completion.
Today I successfully completed the mirror cell by fitting +-45 side pins and the top pin with the PVC dowel and stainless steel fittings and mirror clips, and I added the two split pins for a sling for peace of mind. I am undecided if I will actually use it. All these pin assemblies were kindly custom-made for me by Peter Read of
SDM Telescopes. I also cut some thin Kydex strips to connect the pivot bars, and adhered them with double-sided foam tape. The flotation mirror cell is now officially complete.
Secondary cage rings and struts.
Also today I cut the secondary cage rings out of A-A grade 20mm 9-ply. I then screwed them together and ran the plunge router around the inside radius to ensure that both internal radii match.
I also cut the secondary cage struts form 25mm aluminium extruded tube and fitted the captive threaded nuts inside each end.
Next week, the focuser board and varnishing the timber...