Hi Jimbo,
For many, building their own telescope is an end unto itself.
Just as there are people that restore vintage cars or aeroplanes
for the joy of it and driving or flying them might be a secondary consideration
there are actually many Amteur Telescope Makers (ATMs) who simply revel in the
joy of making something. Many of them like to observe as well, but for some
the building of the scope actually becomes the primary source of enjoyment.
For a small investment, grab yourself a copy of "The Dobsonian Telescope"
by Berry & Kriege and published by Willmann-Bell. This the bible for building
large aperture truss pole Dobsonians and even if you never build one,
the book itself is still an excellent read as you will see that there is very solid
engineering considerations that go into the design of these instruments.
Before you make your next purchase, consider joining a club. Observing
events are an excellent opportunity to get to look at and look through other
people's scopes. This can often then help you consolidate some future goal
for what your next telescope (and possibly the one beyond that), might be.
Best Regards
Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place, Mount Kuring-Gai
NSW. 2080. Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Fax +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
[url]http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au[/url