Hello all,
Searching about recently for a slender gnomon rod for a vertical declining sundial, I investigated various materials, including aluminum and brass rods and tubing. Since I wanted the rod to be supported only at its upper end, I needed stiffness and light weight.
It turned out that hypodermic stainless steel tubing (type 304) is very stiff and light in weight. It comes in a wide range of sizes. I purchased 0.188" diameter tubing from Small Parts, Inc., 13980NW 58th Court, Miami Lakes, FL 33014-0650 (1-800-220-4242) www.smallparts.com. (I ordered by phone because I couldn't get their website to work.)
I hope this is of help to someone. Best wishes, Mac Oglesby -
