Telescope Designs?

[Manok101]

I want to build a telescope but I want my first build to be something fairly simple yet provide decent views, and was wondering what I should look at first?

[ponytale]

look for dobsonians- in the diy section ,

[Manok101]

This is the DIY section...

[Zul]

Dobson would be great idea!

[Manok101]

I was thinking refractor. Something there isn't much info on. Is it possible to buy large mirrors/lenses someplace?

[marcopolo]

Manok, as an experienced telescope maker with 20+ years building scopes I can only impress upon you that there are numerous reasons why only the master craftsman should attempt a refractor. There are of course a few successes to the contrary.

Moving on then a mirror is cheap, a dobsonian is "a bunch of stuff" and it basically holds one mirror at a certain distance from another with an eyepiece and as long as this basic criterion is satisfied you can make the structure any shape size or colour that you like!!

Plans are well covered by many books. Google telescope making books.

[Manok101]

I have 2 dobs already and don't want another I suppose I'll just buy a refractor. Oh well.

[asteria]

You could try something like this. It's called a copyscope because it uses a short focal length lens from a photocopier. There are instructions in some of the telescope making books.

Build and copyscope

How to Build a Copyscope

Copyscope - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

All the best. Ed

[LeoLion]

Hi Manok , Have a a look on 'Cloudy Nights' forum , under 'Best of ATM' & page down to the 'Surplus Shed Refractor build' Telescope Reviews: Best of ATM & Posting Guide lines and Help . I'm sure you will find something there you would fancy. Surplus Shed would be a good source for lenses http://www.surplusshed.com/

[Manok101]

I just wanted something astronomy related to DO since I can't afford to image stuff. And there is only one clear night a month here.