127mm f/9.4 OTA Construction - OTA Main Tube Painting (preparation for painting)

 

The main tube horizontally supported by PVC pipe and chains... (Click for enlarged view)

 

In this view, we see the main tube being supported from the ceiling of my garage using chains and a section of PVC pipe, to hold it  in the horizontal position for better control as it is prepared for painting. With the interior of the tube complete except for the addition of the ProtoStar® flocking material, I fully lined it with newspaper, held in place with painters tape. Then, the PVC pipe was carefully inserted into the main tube being careful not to damage the newly installed knife-edge baffles. By using this method to paint the tube, it will allow it to be rotated with ease, as well as providing a great place for the primer and paint to fully cure.