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16" f4 Orion Optics UK Dobsonian Project

Moonshane

By Moonshane
in DIY Astronomer

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spaceboy

spaceboy

Posted
Posted

A man with a plan. I like it!

I think Sir Patrick moore has a 16" dob in a small roll of dob shelter thing so I guess if it dose become too much hard work you have proven you are handy with tools so that could be the next thread for us to follow :D

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astroeddie

astroeddie

Posted
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Wow Shane,

Just came across this thread. I realised that your sig notes a 16" Dob. But my word, self modded, awesome pal. Looks amazing.

I made a table to heighten my 12" flexi, thought I'd done well. but, erm this is fantastic. Hope it all comes together for you for the darker nights in August and onwards.

Eddie

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Astrokev

Astrokev

Posted
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How right you are. Thank you for correcting me Kevin. A victim of my own laziness sorry to say. I should have checked before posting.

Either way I'm sure the concept would work just as well for a dob.

No worries mate. Whatever they are, Sir Patrick's scopes are marvellous. The concept would work fine, as you say.

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Moonshane

Moonshane

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painted the cell and components today. two coats with 'matt' charcoal Hammerite (with some black tint added by the paint place.

It's pretty black but not exactly 'matt'. I think my idea of matt is different from the makers of the paint.

furthermore, this paint is the spawn of the devil when applied with a brush - horrible stuff and impossible to get as good a finish as I wanted. lesson learned, next time use a spray can only. the finish is OK but I may in the future get it shot blasted and powder coated if I can find a decent and cheap local source. probably a job for next summer but can I be bothered? I am sure I'll forget about it when the scope is put together.

here's a pic of the cell which will now take a few days to harden off I reckon.

It looks pretty good in fairness and once it's in the back end of a scope.......

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johninderby

johninderby

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I use Ultra Matt Black spray paint for a truly matt finish.

Halfords Camouflage Spray Paint 'Black' 300ml

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_800819_langId_-1_categoryId_165495

I've used the Krylon Ultra Matt Black sprayed on-top of Hammerite black spray paint. The actual Krylon branded one has now been discontinued but the Halfords one seems very similar. Also great for other scope parts. :D

John

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Moonshane

Moonshane

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first update for a bit as I have been battling with non-curing Hammerite (see http://stargazerslounge.com/diy-astronomer/148456-hammerite-drying-times.html if you want to read my tantrum).

anyway, got the cell finished today bar the shouting and built it up too. looks pretty good for a DIY effort! I am very pleased with the way my original design in cardboard has (after a few mods) been transformed into reality, effectively making the square Kriege and Berry design into a round design which will fit into a standard (albeit large) round OTA.

I now need to get the mirror in over the next few days and then gauge the balance point. this will pave the way for the base and first light!

I used some matt black acrylic spray paint for the cell which I got off ebay (Simoniz) and quite cheap too at £7 delivered for 2x 500ml.

I may even paint the wood with this - will need maybe four more.

here's some pics.

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astroeddie

astroeddie

Posted
Posted

Tip of the hat for you sir.

Amazing venture you've undertaken, and accomplishing admirably.

Hope to see the end product before I go to work in 7 weeks or so. Then read about your first light when I get home when its darker.

Stripped to the gubbins, and total rebuild, excellent indeed.

:)

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Moonshane

Moonshane

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cheers Eddie.

I could probably have done it a little quicker but I am trying to do everything well enough to last me for years as I want to use it not be constantly working on it (Yeah right. I think dob owners generally are always trying to improve things and fiddle with settings/features here and there - it's part of the beauty of dob ownership for me).

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Moonshane

Moonshane

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cheers Russ! I am happy with it, just hoping the hammerite won't have an argument in a few days with the matt black.

either way, it can certainly be fixed in due course but I want to use my scope!!!

I'll PM you BTW about payment for the finder which will be sent shortly.

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Telrad

Telrad

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That is looking fantastic Shane! I hope the Hammerite is OK and you get the mirror in over the next few days and gauge the balance points - I'm looking forward to your first light report with this highly professional build Shane! Well done mate :)

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Moonshane

Moonshane

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Looking very good now Shane :)

I'll be interested if you can find a local powder coater as I have a couple of OTA's I want doing.

cheers George - wouldn't be at this stage without you for sure.

I was going to try these first for powder coating. not sure whether they are good or what prices are like but their website seems reasonable.

Stockport Powder Coating & Wet Spraying Specialists UK - Home

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Moonshane

Moonshane

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That is looking fantastic Shane! I hope the Hammerite is OK and you get the mirror in over the next few days and gauge the balance points - I'm looking forward to your first light report with this highly professional build Shane! Well done mate :)

cheers Telrad. I am looking forward to first light too :)

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Gina

Gina

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WOW!!! This is brilliant stuff!! :) Going very well and should be a superb scope when finished :( Has got me thinking... No, no Gina!! Get that observatory finished first - THEN think about future scopes! :)

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Moonshane

Moonshane

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Thanks Gina, you know you wanna!!

when I read in the 'bible' Kriege and Berry book that once you finish your scope you have to make the transition back to observer from telescope builder, I thought what a silly thing to say, it will be easy! BUT I can now see what they mean as you start to get a bit stir crazy (pun intended :) you know where I'm coming from) but eventually it starts to come together a bit and then you are happy again.

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