Bought a Carl Zambuto Primary Mirror today, a 10" diameter 60.3" focal length or 254mm and 1532mm ..........
So here we go again, what to build?
Normand Fullum's creations come to mind, so perhaps a solid tube scope made from fine timbers. I have recently joined the ACT Woodcraft Guild and need a project to showcase some skills and to hone skills that were awakened during the build of the 18" F5.5
This will be a slow build over the next year or two as I am paying a penance for the time spent on the Kunama Reflector by doing garden work for the wifey, so the updates will be few and very far between.
My budget has also been hit hard by another relapse into "Takahashiitis Spenditis" with the new arrival in the next couple of days.
I think I am going to make a 16 sided wooden tube featuring 8 different species of Australian timbers with hand carving and ultra high gloss finish using spar varnish on a base laminated from fine timbers........
Maybe........
Another option has carbonfibre and aluminium as the main materials ......
Your a real sucker for punishment like someone I know...
Taka****ititis is a terrible disease. Make an appointment with Dr Franuhofer.
He's cheap compared to most of the other 'specialists' out there....in particular Dr Ed and Dr Triplet.
Funny you should mention that Lewis, as I have been following Project Phoenix since the fires razed Mt Stromlo. Just this morning I was looking at the original layout of the GMT's lattice 'tube'.
A wooden lattice design similar to The Great Melbourne Reflector has been on my mind too for a 12" F8 mirror that I have had for while. Just been too many other distractions and a nagging doubt as to whether the scope would be too big.
The design in wood would be rigid and look stunning. Could easily add a steam punk element.
Cheers
Steve
Hey Matt, Looks good!
I think it will actually be making a "clone" of the Takahashi MT250
something about a Takabuto MT250 F6 that sounds inviting..........
On the basis that your ZOC mirror is pretty thick and you plan on building the scope as a tubed type scope I would recommend using a very open style mirror cell design to allow cooling and better thermal equilibration of the primary. An open cell and fan assisted cooling would be a must with the thick mirror and tubed scope and "active" cooling of the primary is something I would really consider. I would do some research and speak to Anthony Wesley (Bird) about setting up some form of active cooling (Peltiers) if the scope is going to be used for visual or imaging of solar system targets.
Hi John, thanks, it will be a January start for this project. Gary Mitchell has given me a preliminary quote for the tube.
I am probably going with a 325mm aluminium tube with a joint that will line up with the tube ring. That will give me 36mm clearance around the mirror.
Most likely 1.6mm sheet rolled, with reinforcing rings.
My drawing so far has 4 small fans mounted (a la Mewlon300 CRS) in the base plate with perforations for extra airflow.
This is still dependent on the Minister for War & Finance approval of the total budget.
like someone I know...
