Pat, can you post a rough schematic (even hand-sketched) of your proposed rail system, with markings for the materials selection for each major component? I can help evaluate the corrosion risk based on your design.
Thanks - I have some design details in the previous videos and on my website. Where I am now is 1) Galvanized V-Groove Track with Galvanized screws holding it down. The track is 40' long. THe V-wheel is Iron and 6" in diameter, and 2" wide. I will be using 5 of these. 2) the flat track is also 40' long and I will be using 3" wide Stainless steel for it, and it will be held down by galvanized screws. The wheel is iron and also measures 6" diameter and 2" wide. Again - I will be using 5 of those. I'm not sure if that helps, but I think this new configuration will be good. The old one used an aluminum track.
Interesting. Didnt realise there was so much analysis and research required! For my ROR i use aluminium V profile track on both sides, and stainless steel V profile wheels. All fixings in my whole observatory are stainless steel. It didnt require much research to decide on this as it seemed rather obvious. 5 years down the road, the roof continues to roll off as it did on day 1. No sign of corosion anywhere
Stainless steel wheels that can support a 7000-lb roof would be cost-prohibitive. I chose aluminum originally because it was cost-effective compared to stainless or even galvanized. But I have since found sources that are about the same price as aluminum, so it makes sense to change over.
I made an error! My wheels and track are actually galvanised, not stainless/Al as stated. Readily available in the UK from commercial gate supplier. Each wheel capable of supporting 300kg cost ~$15 e. $150 expenditure would support 7000lbs. Galvanised V track $30 for 10ft lengths. Work a treat and never had any problem in 5 years. Like new
Pat, can you post a rough schematic (even hand-sketched) of your proposed rail system, with markings for the materials selection for each major component? I can help evaluate the corrosion risk based on your design.
Thanks - I have some design details in the previous videos and on my website. Where I am now is
1) Galvanized V-Groove Track with Galvanized screws holding it down. The track is 40' long. THe V-wheel is Iron and 6" in diameter, and 2" wide. I will be using 5 of these.
2) the flat track is also 40' long and I will be using 3" wide Stainless steel for it, and it will be held down by galvanized screws. The wheel is iron and also measures 6" diameter and 2" wide. Again - I will be using 5 of those.
I'm not sure if that helps, but I think this new configuration will be good. The old one used an aluminum track.
Interesting. Didnt realise there was so much analysis and research required!
For my ROR i use aluminium V profile track on both sides, and stainless steel V profile wheels. All fixings in my whole observatory are stainless steel. It didnt require much research to decide on this as it seemed rather obvious.
5 years down the road, the roof continues to roll off as it did on day 1. No sign of corosion anywhere
Stainless steel wheels that can support a 7000-lb roof would be cost-prohibitive. I chose aluminum originally because it was cost-effective compared to stainless or even galvanized. But I have since found sources that are about the same price as aluminum, so it makes sense to change over.
I made an error! My wheels and track are actually galvanised, not stainless/Al as stated. Readily available in the UK from commercial gate supplier. Each wheel capable of supporting 300kg cost ~$15 e. $150 expenditure would support 7000lbs.
Galvanised V track $30 for 10ft lengths.
Work a treat and never had any problem in 5 years. Like new
Galvanized on galvanized seems like a good way to go and you have certainly had good luck with this combination!