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Hi Les,
I have a 16" F4.5 Newt on a GEM that I designed and built.
This was designed for my observatory and is a very heavy duty mount that works quite well. I have Annsen Technologies dual axis drives with drive corrector from Peter Mellander which I have had now for about 15 years and has been exceptionally reliable.
I designed the mount with star drift polar alignment in mind. There is an internal shaft within the pier, located in bearings. By loosening two locknut's I can make extremely fine adjustments in azimuth of the mount.
By loosening the altitude lock nut I utilize a turnbuckle to make extremely fine adjustment in altitude.
The load end of both RA and Dec shafts spin in thrust bearing while the other ends of both shafts spin in double row ball bearings. The shaft are about 2 1/2" stainless steel.
I have no worry about what ancillary equipment I hang off of my scope, the mount and drive have handled everything thus far.
I must add that I am a Fitter & Machinist by trade and that I have my own lathe and when making my mount I spent a lot of time at our local Tafe which ran night time hobby courses. The machine shop at the Tafe was where most of the machining was done.
If you wanted to go a similar way I suggest checking out your nearest Tafe for an appropriate course.
I would never have been able to afford to buy a mount as good as the one I built.
Have attached some images of my mount.
Regards
Trevor
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