I had an 8" f10.5 which was just a dynamite scope. I built that one into a two pole truss so the moving was easy. But it was a bit like tinker toys to put it together.

Balance the OTA and carry it like a suitcase. On a long tube you need a door opener ahead of you.

There are many great web sites now that deal with making a scope. Go to Mel Bartels site at http://www.bbastrodesigns.com for way more links that you would think possible. The ATM list at http://www.atmlist.net is the home page of a good old fashion email list server on telescope making. Least I forget it, the web site for Stellafane http://www.stellafane.com has many good atm links.

I use a coater called alcoat down by San Francisco. I have used others including Clausing back east. But alcoat has always been fast and he did a good job for me.

David Davis
Toledo, OR 97391