Today i have been mostly. .....chopping my big dob in half

[Moonshane]

Decided to convert my OOUK 16" f4 solid tube dob into a more manageable two bits.

Quite a simple process really albeit not made easier by the weak walled not round tubes they use.

Used a spare ring, chopped a finder shoe back plate up to make lugs and toggle clamps to join.

[JeremyS]

6 minutes ago, Moonshane said:

Decided to convert my OOUK 16" f4 solid tube dob into a more manageable to bitks.

Quite a simple process really albeit not made easier by the weak walled not round tubes they use.

Used a spare ring, chopped a finder shoe back plate up to make lugs and toggle clamps to join.

That sounds dramatic!!! Any pics?

Jeremy

[Moonshane]

Just added :0)

[wookie1965]

Ingenious what about moisture getting in through the middle now.

 

[Moonshane]

Yeah its possible but I have some spandex so might make make a collar.  that said the flocking will probably stop problems.

[wookie1965]

I`d make a collar better to err on safe side. It  will be a lot more manageable now though, good job.

 

[nightfisher]

Shane................i am gob smacked, what a superb idea for transport  you have done the old OO proud

[johninderby]

Good idea. 

Bit like one of the Discovery spilt tube dobs.

http://www.discoverytelescope.com/discovery/pdhq.html

Always wondered why more manufacturers don't offer one. 

          John

[johnfosteruk]

I know that this looks and sounds worse than it is, that a man who is capable with the tools should have no problem but my golly that was a little scary Shane.

good job though.

[jetstream]

Awesome job Shane!

I personally think your dob base with its big bearings is a big step up from factory... someday I'll do this for the 200mm f3.8.

[Telescope40]

Shane. Hats off to you. I would need some brown trousers to be worn and a stiff drink b4 picking up the tools to do this. 

Excellent thread 

 

regards John 

 

 

[Moonshane]

Cheers all

It was a lot less work than converting to a truss dob

[John]

Very nicely done Shane

One of those jobs that makes you gulp a bit just before you start though, I'll bet !

[johninderby]

Instead of measure twice, cut once it was probably measure 100 times, cut once.  

              John

[faulksy]

must of been a bit scary shane. brilliant job though

are you taking it to psp ?

[niallk]

Nicely done 

[scarp15]

Very inventive, good solution and convenient for taking to star parties and dark sky trips.

[Stu]

Great job Shane! A lot less work than a full truss but gives you the convenience you wanted. Nice one.

[estwing]

Top job....is this a Half-Moonshane?!!!!

[Moonshane]

42 minutes ago, faulksy said:

must of been a bit scary shane. brilliant job though

are you taking it to psp ?

Cheers all

Yeah will be at psp - the main reason for doing this was so  I can get the top half in the caravan and the rest in the car whilst staying in weight safety limits.

[DRT]

Come on lad, stop messing around with this single cut nonsense and go for the full-on truss job you've been telling us about

{and then you can show me how to do the same to my 12"  )

 

[Uplooker]

Well done Shane. Looks to have worked out well, good on ya!

[swamp thing]

Looks like you're all out of excuses now mate.............

Lest be having you at some DARK SKIES  
Come join the mob.............. We don't bite......much!!! 

 

Nice job  

[spaceboy]

Having seen some of you DIY threads in the past I had total faith in your abilities Shane. You certainly don't mess about when you put your mind to something but even so it still takes nerves of steel to make that leap given the hassle that would have ensued had anything faltered. I'm glad you finally got around to it though as I personally feel there is no beating a solid tube despite some truss dobs having an elegance and practicality to them.

[Jonk]

How about coming up with some sort of detachable bearing, then you can rotate the top half for a more comfortable eyepiece position. Very useful if you put it up on an EQ mount and don't want to turn the whole thing. Collimation and accuracy of the cut would be important though.