Rob, I'm glad you responded to this thread. I know of no one better qualified to extol the virtues of the iconic 114 scope at fl 900mm.
I have to agree that the eq mount usually supplied with this scope leaves a bit to be desired. But making a dob mount for this OTA turns this surprisingly capable scope into a very user friendly instrument. Until you do get your 10" or 12" dob, you'll be able to cut your astro teeth with the 114.
I've made several dob mounts for 114 scopes, including one for my wife's school. Their 114 was on an eq mount, and truth be said, the eq mount terrified the teachers there who had no idea on how to use it. The mount I made was made using the laminate covered shelving that Bunnings sells and some Teflon off cuts I had. What works just as well for a project like this is the plastic from ice cream tubs. A bolt, a few washers, a nyloc nut, a couple of PVC plumbing flanges and a bit of jig saw work and PRESTO! One very user friendly dobbie,
Once you do get you bigger scope, you could even donate the scope to a local school. Nothing gets wasted this way.
A bit of food for thought.