5'' eq transfer to dob

[orestis]

Hi fellow amatuer astronomers,

I am 14 yrs old and have had a 5'' reflector on a eq2 mount for about a year and a half now and would like the ease of having a dob mount as the eq is of pretty much no use to me as i only do visual observing.

I have searched all over the internet for some plans and couldn't find any.Does anyone know where i can find some and what kind of cost it will be.Could i possibly buy one?.

i don't really know much about how to make a home made dob mount if anyone can help i would be extremely greatfull.

Thanks in advance.
Regards Orestis

[mental4astro (Alexander)]

Easy:

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=49203

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=56400

If you have access to some power tools, or your old man is handy with them, this style of mount is knocked over in a weekend. You can even have someone like Bunnings to cut the pieces you need, just need to make sure they cut as directed- they can be a bit careless if you are not looking over them like a hawk.

Mental.

[cristian abarca]

Hi Orestis, try here http://www.raycash.us/sfsidewalk/sectionc.htm

here http://pages.sbcglobal.net/raycash/manualv2.pdf

here http://www.scopemaking.net/dobson/dobson.htm

also just google how to make a dobsonian mount and try you tube as well.

Cristian

[Rod]

Hi Orestis,

Great to hear you want to make your own mount. The good thing about dobsonian's is that even if you don't do a great job the first time, it will still probably work OK. So don't feel too daunted, give it a go and enjoy learning about how to build something.

The cost can be pretty cheap if you use ordinary 12mm plywood. Just make sure it is well sealed with paint or polyurethane. As mental suggested you can get the pieces cut which makes the whole job very easy.

As for plans, I have a book called: 'Build Your Own telescope' by Richard Berry, it has dob plans for a 6 inch and a 10 inch scope. You could re-scale either and it would work great. If you want to have a look at the book, PM me and I'll work something out.

Good Luck and let us know how you go.

Rod.

[orestis]

Thanks a lot guys.

Regards Orestis

[orestis]

Hey guys,

Just wondering if i could use an old vinyl record as the bearing material.If not i can ask my school if i can get a sheet of 3mm perspex.also instead of teflon pads can i use felt pads that go under furniture or would the friction not be enough?

Thanks in advance.
Orestis

[mental4astro (Alexander)]

The best bearing material is highly textured laminate, like the dimpled laminate kitchen bench material. Even more texture, better.

You can get an off cut from a local cabinet/kitchen maker. Get as textured/dimpled as you can.

The Teflon you can get from Cut To Size Plastics. You can get a piece enough for your needs, say 50mm X 75mm by 3mm thick, and then cut it smaller for your needs. It cuts just like a plastic ice cream tub. A hacksaw is ample. Drill and counter sink the pieces before you cut them out. A piece that size will cost about $40 mailed out to you, tops. To get them to cut and machine it too expensive.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Have a look in the hardware section for teflon pads. Only a few $$ per pack. They'll probably wear faster than more expensive ones, but they're simple to to replace.

[dannat (Daniel)]

orestis, if you use christian's link pages.sc.global etc it has plans for a triangular bearing section instead of circular..will make cuts much easier
i am about to source some teflon..if you have not got any in a week send me a PM
daniel

[dannat (Daniel)]

I have another dob base question - i have come across a lazy susan bearing -for a swivelling armchair...could i use this for my dob base or do people think it will be too slippery?