Quote:
|
Originally Posted by ghsmith45
Wouldn't it be easier to move the spider and focuser down a bit? Four new (little) holes for the spider and one new (big) hole for the focuser. If you put the focuser on the opposite side to its present position you could have a reasonable interchangeable setup--maybe have 2 focusers and just move the spider up or down.
Geoff
|
Nope,
A couple of hundred years of Amateur Telescope making has told the astronomical community it is infinitely easier to shorten the tube of a newtonian telescope in this situation than to move the focuser and the spider.
To be perfectly honest, as Gary Beal indicated, it should take less than 30 minutes with an angle grinder to cut the tube to the required length and drill new holes to fasten the primary mirror cell. More import than the time issue, however, his scope will look like it has been done semi professionally rather than look like something a German sniper has used for target practice, with unused holes in it everywhere.
CS-John B.
PS: Lee, when you cut the tube, take your time and make sure you don't "burn the steel". You could also use a Dremel to cut the tube. I cut 1.2mm stainless steel with my dremel. It takes a while but does a neat job.