With this particular cloth the application of Estapol darkened it significantly (see the images in the previous post), perhaps more than I would have liked. It is now a very dark blue and the stars are more muted. Despite this I quite like the end result. I don't think either colour would have been easy to see in the dark.
To stop the fabric darkening some sort of sealer might be used to preserve the colouring before the Estapol is applied?
I remember using a sealer when I was doing rod binding to preserve the colour of the thread.
I ended up makiing a 2 piece base. The lower base contains an eyepiece drawer and does not rotate. It can be used under the conventional dob base to raise the eyepiece height for use standing or it can be removed and used as a stool for seated observing, or as a stand for small children.
The attached images show the scope in high and low configurations and the tube interior before and after flocking.
Excellent work Ian and the lower base is great adition. You could probably devise a EQ platform to fit between the lower and upper sections down the track.
John, I am about to start on my 16". I have decided to change my plans and go for an ultralight design, something like this http://synrgistic.com/astro/building.htm. If you are about to start on your 20" perhaps we should share some ideas/parts.
For every scope I build, I have to restore a piece of furniture here at home . I am going nuts here learning how to restore furniture. Scopes are easy compared to the dining room suite. No way I am taking on extra scopes
Super job there, well done, excellent work, I wish I had the same talent.
. I am going nuts here learning how to restore furniture. Scopes are easy compared to the dining room suite. No way I am taking on extra scopes
