How to build a refractor/reflector?

[Russe]

Anyone here to give me an idea on how to build a telescope?

Where would you get lenses or mirrors from???

[Bizibilder]

Try Galvoptics for mirrors. Not so sure about lenses. The only problem with DIY scopes is that you can usually buy a complete OTA far cheaper than you can make one these days - strange but true!

[angusb1]

If you fancy making a refractor Istar sell lenses ISTAR Optical - Main Page. I think they have UK distributors but can't remember who they are off the top of my head.

[ollypenrice]

I'd have thought that building a big reflector might be worth it financially but you'd be hard put to compete with a cheap Chinese Dob on price/performance. But then that might not be your motivation. You might find David Lukehurst's site interesting. He does parts as well as whole scopes and is a good guy.

David Lukehurst - Large Portable Dobsonian Dobson Dobsons Telescopes - Index

Olly

[jnp]

Free free to look at my DIY posts and album profile to see some refractors made with drainpipes. Probably easier than a reflector.

Objective lenses don't popup that often but I got most of mine from Ebay. I have several 90mm lenses and a recently acquired 127mm.

Other sources of lenses are:

Objective Lenses - Surplus Shed

U.K. Astronomy Buy & Sell

Good luck with whatever you build

John

[Ericgraham]

if you are starting out in astronomy you can't beat the price of import scopes. As you gain experience you may want something bigger and/or better, and then building it yourself can save you a lot of money, if you have the right skills or the patience to learn them. There are numerous books, websites and forums to give you ideas - and ask here.

Good luck,

Eric

[swamp thing]

Hi there

Personally I think a good book is of great help to any aspiring telescope builder.

Build Your Own Telescope, Complete Plans for Five Telescopes you can Build with Simple Hand tools, by Richard Berry

This one helped me build my 10" Dob, it works pretty well as most that have used it will concur.

This is the one I'm using for reference now with my latest project.

The Dobsonian Telescope, A Practical Manual for Building Large Aperture Telescopes by David Kriege and Richard Berry

This one is referred to by many as the Dob builders bible.

As you can see this book store has several others, but not having tried any of the others I cannot recommend them.

HTH

Regards Steve

[Cornelius Varley]

A few vintage projects for you Telescope Project Plans - Homebrew Astronomy

Peter

[Russe]

Thanks for all the helpful advice. I shall definitely have a go at those books as soon as I find some time!

[ismangil]

Search for I R Poyser, he's really supportive on people making their own scopes, and he sell the lenses as well.