Self build?

[badnit12]

Hi, I'm a newbie, I remember that as a teenager we had a 4" reflector and managed to see the rings of Saturn - something I've never forgotten in the intervening 40 odd years.

Then last year, I was inspired by my Son-in-Law's home made 6" Dobsonian reflector, and as an aircraft sheetmetal worker, I thought "I could do that!"

And so here I am, hoping that some of you will be able to point me in the right direction - what is the best project to embark on, good suppliers or any other advice that you think would help.

(I do have a Celestron Astromaster 76, which, to be honest, isn't up to much more than observing the Moon, as you will probably know)

Thanks

Andy

[Physopto]

Good on you Andy!

There are plenty of knowledgeable people on here. Try reading Mapstar's 22 " mirror posts. That was a mammoth task, but there are others as well more in keeping with starting out.

Best of luck,

Derek

[badnit12]

Thanks Derek,

A 22" project might be a bit ambitious - for now

Anyway, you seem like a friendly bunch, so I'm looking forward to finding out a lot more!

Andy

[Dave In Vermont]

Greetings and welcome to SGL, Andy! Nice to have you aboard. I'm sure you'll find plenty of help in your astro-projects.

Clear skies -

Dave

[PeterCPC]

Hello and welcome.

Peter

[Stephen Green]

   Hi a warm welcome to the SGL

   Stephen

[Dave Lloyd]

Hi Andy, welcome.

[laudropb]

Hello and a warm welcome to the SGL.

[michigander]

Welcome to SGL, Andy!

Dana

[happy-kat]

Hi

Just sharing no idea on the project on it's own, but astroboot sell all sorts of random astronmy items and often have just mirror sets salvaged from consumer telescopes for sale.

[pipnina]

I think asking for help in the welcome section isn't the best idea. You get a lot of "Welcome to the forum" but the actual advice on your chosen topic is a little sparse.

Posting this question in "DIY astronomer" will likely get you more & better responses.

Welcome to the forum!

    ~pip

[swamp thing]

Hi Andy and welcome to the stargazers lounge 

Have a look through the DIY section on here for some great scope build projects and ideas.  Feel free to post any questions about supplies/ materials or ideas you may have.

There are plenty of amateur scope builders on here only too eager to help out

[RT65CB-SWL]

Hi Andy / 'badnit12' and welcome to SGL.

Another +1 taking a look at the DIY section for inspiration and ideas.

[JamesM]

Hi Andy and welcome to the forum.

Clear skies

[Pete Presland]

Hi welcome to SGL from Pete in Bedfordshire  ​ 

[glowjet]

Hi Andy and welcome to SGL, enjoy the forum  

[triton1]

Hi there and welcome to SGL

[Charon]

Welcome aboard Andy.

[swag72]

Hi Andy and and welcome to SGL. Good to have you on board

Look forward to seeing you around

[purdo]

Hi Andy & Welcome to SGL.