[OzEclipse (Joe Cali)]

Hi Suzy,

I use the shadow method then look for the image with solar filter in place in the optical tube but leave the eyepiece out while I do this. However I also use a refractor so it's easier to shadow hunt than with a small dob.

If you want to make a solar finder, a very cheap and easy way is to make a pinhole finder. There are many ways to do this. One way is to get a short piece of tube 20-30mm diameter and 50-80mm long. Square tube is better than round. Cover one end with cardboard and punch or drill a 1mm hole. Cover the other end in something translucent. A piece cut out of the side of a plastic milk container works well.

You don't need any adjusting screws, just fix the tube to the side of your scope. Magic Mount double sided art tape will suffice and is completely removable. Double sided tape will be a more secure fix if the tube is square.

Find the sun once by other means and stick a small piece of black electrical tape cut in the shape of an arrow to the translucent screen to indicate the suns position. Some people mark it with a black pen but the tape is moveable if the scope collimation changes dramatically or the double sided tape moves, just reposition the black tape.

Another way is to go to an electronics store like jaycar. Buy a small light coloured plastic electronics box. Drill a 1mm hole in one end. Fix it to the tube leave the to open and project the image onto the opposite wall of the box. use the black electrical tape arrow to indicate the correct position.
cheers

Joe