Skywatcher 250PX - but no mount!

[pumpkincannon]

Help!

Following a rather strange series of events, I've got a Skywatcher 250PX sitting in my garage that I'd really quite like to have a look through - but nothing to mount it on!

Having looked at a few online dealers, these big scopes are all mounted on £1000 electronic beasts, and I really can't afford that (I'm guessing it's because of the weight?). I really just want something I can chuck in the garden so me and the kids can have a look at the moon and maybe a planet or two!

Does anyone have any cunning ideas? I can spend a few quid, but I'd really rather not spend thousands!

Thanks in advance.

[Parus major]

If you bought or have a pair or tube rings building a dob frame is an idea. Here's a commercial one to give you an idea.

Dobsonian Mount

[LeeB]

Hi the easiest thing to do is build a dobsonian mount from wood, its not technical and the bearing surfaces can be easily constructed from any disc shaped object (cut down sauce pans) and silicon chopping boards. These mounts are great and the 250px tube is available on one new. Should cost less than £60 and three or four hours to make.

[pumpkincannon]

I'm not exactly the most practical person in the world, but I'll certainly have a look into this - thanks guys!

I'm assuming something like a second hand EQ5 isn't going to be beefy enough?

[Lorne]

Here's a 250PX on a mount I made out of MDF, once I knew it would work I made it out of marine plywood.

[pumpkincannon]

Thanks for that Lorne - I'm going to have to go and find someone with skills and powertools!

[Rapallokid]

Nice mount, a job well done. I am also not the most gifted in the woodwork dept. so i can really appreciate your effort. ( maybe a good sideline for you here) ;0)

[RikM]

If you want to buy a mount but don't want to spend a fortune, the SkyWatcher Sky Tee 2 should be okay.

[pumpkincannon]

Thanks for that Rik - I think I've found someone who can make me a dob mount, but if not - that looks like the next best bet!

[Bart]

Hi the easiest thing to do is build a dobsonian mount from wood, its not technical and the bearing surfaces can be easily constructed from any disc shaped object (cut down sauce pans) and silicon chopping boards. These mounts are great and the 250px tube is available on one new. Should cost less than £60 and three or four hours to make.

LeeB,

do you mean just cutting 2 chopping boards and fitting them between the top and bottom base pieces? this is instead of lazy susan bearings/teflon pads/furniture glides etc? Have you tried this? Thanks

Bart

[Bart]

Here's a 250PX on a mount I made out of MDF, once I knew it would work I made it out of marine plywood.

Nice job.

what did you use as azimuth bearings Lorne ? Thanks

Bart