I've just completed the re-build of a 10" Dob (BT250) mount that was trashed in the local flooding we had in Canberra in Feb 2018. It's only taken me 2 years to get around to it, due to procrastination and life! However, I'm very pleased with the result. I was able to reuse the original azimuth bearing plate as it hadn't suffered too much from water damage.
Additionally, I've built a scaled down version of the same Dob mount for my 8" Newt (BT200) that is usually installed on an HEQ5 Pro mount. This will make it much easier for me to use and significantly reduce the setup time when I only wish to have a casual view of the night sky. Luckily, I found that an old 12" vinyl record makes a reasonable azimuth bearing and a couple of drainage adapters make quite acceptable altitude bearings.
All in all, a very satisfying experience this DIY!
Looks like some very nice atm/diy work on the dob bases, well done. I remember reading in old magazines and ATM books about using 12' vinyl for azimuth bearing material, might have to try it myself to see how it works compared to teflon and formica.
Thanks guys. The 8" Dob mount still needs a coat or two of Estapol and installing the ribbed rubber strips on the internal panel faces that secure the tube into the box. One of our members has requested info on my method of securing the tube in the box. The image shows the temporary placement of the strips, although you only see 3 of them here.
It was suggested that I hinge the top panel, which I will do, and have a clip or latch on the other edge.
Nice work John
