Home made monster bins

[JonF]

I'm in the process of making some home made monster bins out of two Celestron C 70 Mini Maks. The question is, what to use for a base plate to join the scopes on. Alunium or marine ply? Both would be rigid and easy to work. Ply is miles cheaper, and a bit heavier. Any thoughts?

[Bizibilder]

Aluminium - Ply (or any timber) is not actually that stable, especially with any changes in humidity.

[JonF]

Aluminium it is - you're quite right, thinking about it, there is a huge difference between short term rigidity and long term stability.

[JamesF]

You'll probably also need some mechanism for adjustment and having the entire system fixed to a metal plate will allow far greater accuracy and reliability.

James

[JonF]

Ordered a billet of aluminium. 150mmx150mmx24.5mm Should do the trick.

[JamesF]

Ordered a billet of aluminium. 150mmx150mmx24.5mm Should do the trick.

From somewhere local, or over the interwebs?

James

[Cath]

You might find this interesting JonF, although very different to how your doing yours ...

[Demon Barber]

Or how about this:http://www.aokswiss.ch/index_bino.html

A big cheque book a must

If you explore site the very bracket you require is on show!

Enjoy

Mike

[JonF]

From somewhere local, or over the interwebs?

James

From t'interweb. Cost a tenner. Nicely finished, very flat

[JamesF]

From t'interweb. Cost a tenner. Nicely finished, very flat

Oooh, where'd you get that then?

James

[Cath]

Their is a few on ebay James.

Here's one ..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALUMINIUM-FLAT-BAR-BILLET-6-x-1-x-150mm-/281064712513?pt=UK_BOI_Metalworking_Milling_Welding_Metalworking_Supplies_ET&hash=item4170c32941

[billhinge]

There is an article in the new March edition of Sky & Telescope

A guy in US made a pair of 5" binoculars out of two Istar 127mm lenses and mirrors in a wooden box (20" X 15" x 8")

[JonF]

Their is a few on ebay James.

Here's one ..

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item4170c32941

That very seller. Excellent comminication from the guy, very quick and it's a good flat billet. Top value.

[JonF]

There is an article in the new March edition of Sky & Telescope

A guy in US made a pair of 5" binoculars out of two Istar 127mm lenses and mirrors in a wooden box (20" X 15" x 8")

Will have to buy that. That is, the magazine, not the Istar bins........

[JamesF]

Thank you Cath and JonF. I shall bear him in mind when I want bits that the local metalworking place can't supply.

James