New wheels

[glenc]

I hurt my back moving my 12" a few weeks back so I decided to put some wheels on it. The back is ok now.
The wheels are just off the ground so I can rotate the scope and use it. Please see the image.

[RB]

Good idea Glen.
Anything that can assist to avoid back pain is great !

[rmcpb]

Yep, you need to be careful with the larger scopes. While they are not that heavy they are bulky and awkward to handle and put a great strain on the back.

That is a sweet, simple and functional mod, I like it :)

[glenc]

Here is the Wheel-Dob and the observatory.

When the neighbors lights are on I use the scope inside the observatory. If I need to see something just below the eastern wall I roll over to the western wall so I can see it etc.

And when the neighbors are all in bed and it is dark and clear I roll the scope out the door onto the grass and have a very good horizon. When I am outside and ready to observe I take the wheels off so they don't catch on the grass as I turn around.

[ving]

now you need to make the wheels removable so you dont trip over them. great idea puting wheels on a big scope :)

[ballaratdragons]

Well done Glen. :thumbsup:
Don't forget to paint that bare wood in white paint. That way you (and other people) will see them in the dark. Hate to cop one of those in the shins! :eyepop:
OOOWWWWW!!!!

[glenc]

Actually they don't get in the way because the boards are the same length as the scope, and turn with it. Also when I wheel the scope it is vertical and it stays that way because of gravity if the wheels are at the primary mirror end.

[astro_nutt]

Brilliant idea Glenn!..I'm sure a few other 12" dob owner could benefit from this!

[xelasnave]

That is a terriffic idea Glen I had given up on the thought of a 16 inch for mobility reasons but that throws a new light on the opportunity. Great work I can imagine it would make it very easy work..er if you could call it work..rolling out your 12 inch for a quick look. Ease of use is the most important thing cause when an effort it does become work and who wants that before and after viewing sessions.
alex

[glenc]

The 12" Dobsonian on wheels is great. I can roll it over to east side of my observatory to improve my view to the west (etc) or out the door if I want to see down to the horizon. The handles do not get in the way when observing.