Folded Newtonian

[GReilly]

Hi,
I would like to hear from anyone who has attempted a folded Newtonian project. Also, anyone who has experience collimating such a system.
Greg

[Orion]

Do you have one or are planning to build one?
Will you be using three mirrors....primary, secondary and a tertiary?

I am in the finishing stages of my build a 24" Nasmyth telescope. I might be able to help concerning the collimating process.

[GReilly]

Thanks for your response Ed. No, I do not have one but was planning a 16-18in Newtonian. It was my intention to keep the FL at F7 or longer to reduce the agony with grinding, polishing & figuring. (Previous mirrors: 6"F8, 9"F8, 8"F6).
However, usability is also a priority and a 2 or 3 mirror folded design was being considered to get the eyepiece height down to something sensible (my eye height!)

Will your Nasmyth use a hollow axis of the mount as an exit point for the light beam? Just curious! :-)
Greg

[Orion]

Greg have a look at the sticky at the beginning of this forum.
Some of your questions will be explained there.

[GReilly]

Thanks Ed,
Very impressive....
Greg