I am interested in fabricating a Hargreaves strut similar to that seen at the attached webpage - http://www.apstas.com/astrotas/mathers/southerncrossobservatory3.html and discussed in the Sept. 2001 issue of Sky & Telescope at pp. 114-115. The business guts of the strut are two plastic universal ball and socket u-joints. Using the S&T article, I have located the ball and socket joints at http://www.mcmaster.com/ at $33 for one joint. McMaster 60625K96 Plastic Ball and Socket U-Joints $32.85 a piece I was wondered if anyone knew of a suitable lightweight substitute part that might be available locally at a lower price? Essentially, any ball and socket joint that can be fastened to a 1" or 3/4" aluminum pipe would work. I don't think the ball and socket needs to move in 3-D; a hinged connector with 2-D movement like McMaster 98010A290 would also work. I have checked local awning retailers without success. - Kurt _______________________________________________ Sent via CSolutions - http://www.csolutions.net