Case for small newtonian

[nashtok]

Here is a project I did a while back and finally got around to posting it.  It isn't anywhere near as involved as many of the projects posted here are, but you got to start somewhere!

About two years ago, I got my first telescope, a 4.5" equatorially mounted Newtonian from Orion.  I looked and looked for proper telescope cases, but all I could find was some glorified duffle bags that I didn't think would protect my scope.  So, I found a nice, but inexpensive toolbox from a hardware store and added a bit to hold the scope.
 

The case is sturdy enough to stand on, so it helps for the vertically 

challenged that I sometimes go out with!

Opened, you can see the water seal around the top edge.  I'm not sure 

how well it works and I don't plan on testing it, but at least it is there.

The latches have a hole for using a lock if you wish.

The interior has grooves that can hold stuff in place if you wish.

Forms cut for dividing case and holding the OTA.

The forms slide into place and act as dividers for whatever you might 

want to put in there.  I put felt on the OTA cradle to avoid scratches.

And finally, with the OTA in place.

As I said, it isn't anything too complicated, but I just thought I'd post it if anyone else wanted to do anything similar.  You couldn't fit anything too much longer, but a 6" SCT and maybe an 8" could fit.

_N

[happy-kat]

Great idea and you could add foam cut to size to put you eye pieces in around the sides. Half hieght fill it with project foam.

[Kropster]

Great project.

The vertical grooves in the box are just right for this. I haven't seen a toolbox with those.

Water seal is unusual too.

Maybe this box is for fishermen?!

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Very nice idea

[nashtok]

Great idea and you could add foam cut to size to put you eye pieces in around the sides. Half hieght fill it with project foam.

I have an old twin sized foam mattress pad from university that is begging to get cut up for that very purpose!