Meridian Telescopes

P.O. Box 571 - Mt. Clemens, MI 48046-0571
Email: mtgproducts@comcast.net

   Sonoco's SONOTUBE® Fiber Tubing Specifications:

   8"   1.5 lbs/ft.    0.165" Wall Thickness

   10"   2.1 lbs/ft.    0.190" Wall Thickness

   12"   2.3 lbs/ft.    0.190" Wall Thickness

Sonoco's SONOTUBE® fiber tubing are tightly wrapped paper tubes. These tubes were created for the construction industry and are used as concrete forms for piers and foundations. The tube that you receive may have some slight scars from handling and can be repaired with wood putty or bondo and sanded smooth. The tube can be lightly sanded to remove rough edges or to smooth the surface prior to painting, heavy sanding will fray the paper tube. The fiber tubing used for a telescope must be protected from moisture. This is accomplished by painting the inside and outside surfaces.

Painting fiber tubing. An oil based exterior house paint applied with a very short knap (1/16") roller is recommended. The finish can be sprayed or brushed as well with varied results. Sand between coats to remove imperfections in the painted surface. There is a thin waxed paper layer on the inside of the tube that should be removed prior to painting. This is usually difficult to do and if you are not totally successful, try to scuff the surface to help adhesion of the paint.

Squaring the ends of the fiber tubing. Use a large sheet of paper that is at least 24" wide and long enough to wrap completely around the tube with some overlap. Wrap the pape around the tube and line up the two edges of the paper where they overlap. Be sure the paper is tight to the tube. Once the edges of the paper at the overlap are aligned, trace the edge of the paper onto the fiber tubing. This line is square to the center axis of the tube. You can use this line to cut the ends square.

Cutting and Drilling fiber tubing.
The fiber tubing should be cut with a saw. A utility knife with a razor blade is not strong enough and injury may result. A reciprocating saw, such as a jig saw or a sawzall should be used. A circular saw is difficult to control on the curved surface of the tube. A helper can rotate the tube while you cut. Common drill bits and hole saws can be used to create holes for the spider vane, focuser, finderscope, primary mirror cell, etc.. Use of spade bits and forstner bits should be avoided.

HOME PRODUCTS ORDERING ABOUT US LINKS E-MAIL