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I've had a bit of a look at the drawings and they're all 2D wireframe which makes things a bit more difficult compared to 3D surfaces or solids. They aren't the most detailed drawings I've ever seen either, but combined with the website info they are a very good start. It would take a fair bit of explaining to someone before they could quote on it because most people wouldn't have a clue as to what they're actually looking at and how it operates. The lack of detail and notes on the drawings could leave many questions in the mind of a non-astronomical person making it which would lead to the components not being made to the right tolerances and causing the whole mount to function inaccurately.
Unfortunately the more I look at it the more expensive I think it would be. Most of the bits are simple enough to make on a small lathe (as Dave has done), but it is time consuming and thats what would hurt the overall cost.
If it were me I'd buy an EQ6, but if I wanted anything bigger and stronger (and had the time) I'd make it myself. If I had a lathe in the shed it would be a different story...
If you would like another opinion or a quote I have 2 or 3 people in mind that are capable of doing a very good job.
Mig - I understand your hate for AutoCAD! I started learning it 4 or 5 years ago and hated it, my boss told me not to waste my time. I've used it since then but It's just not right. Apparently the latest version is much better. Have you used any Delcam software? I've used Powershape for the last couple of years and it's pretty good, I've been using Powermill (CAM) for much longer and that's by far the best CAM software I've seen. Delcam seem to know how to make good software from what I've seen.
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