Observing Chair/Stool

[Richard Hather]

Hi peeps, just had my second session with my 12" dobsonian Which was fantastic but the stool I have isn't tall enough and some of the options are a little pricey.

Im not skilled enough to make my own but I'm wondering what other members do to be comfortable during those long observations of a particular object.

[laudropb]

I use an ironing stool purchased for £20 from Amazon. Height is easily adjusted and its lasted me for 3 years and still going strong.

[Richard Hather]

4 minutes ago, laudropb said:

I use an ironing stool purchased for £20 from Amazon. Height is easily adjusted and its lasted me for 3 years and still going strong.

Sounds perfect do you have a link for the ironing stool please.

[laudropb]

Sorry Richard. It's that long ago that I don't have a link. I just opened Amazon and did a search. There were quite a few on sale if I remember correctly. I also looked at drummers stools, but decided on the ironing stool as it folds down well for storage.  

[laudropb]

Forgive the mucky patio. I am just in the process of power cleaning it lol.

[Richard Hather]

That's fine summer is the time to sort out the garden I've just finished the same process ?

Here's one that looks promising what's your opinion on it?

Metaltex Komet Ironing Stool https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001DYQ1XM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7bruzbA9P24QZ

[laudropb]

Looks nice and steady. I sometimes observe from the grass lawn. So I went for one with the bars  so that it would not sink into the ground if it was soft.

[bejay1957]

Someone's going to have to ask the question, but what's ironing

[avtaram]

+1 for the ironing stool.

Avtar

[Richard Hather]

Cheers guys I think my minds made up ironing stool it is and if it does the job I will be happy ?

[ronl]

I have one of these, https://www.amazon.co.uk/Leifheit-Multi-Seat-Niveau-White/dp/B0000DH7KA/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1498498098&sr=8-7&keywords=ironing+stool

I have been using it for over 4 years, I have modified it slightly by making the back plate a bit bigger, and enlarging the seat,

and more padding too, wouldn't be without it.

[Richard Hather]

4 minutes ago, ronl said:

I have one of these, https://www.amazon.co.uk/Leifheit-Multi-Seat-Niveau-White/dp/B0000DH7KA/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1498498098&sr=8-7&keywords=ironing+stool

I have been using it for over 4 years, I have modified it slightly by making the back plate a bit bigger, and enlarging the seat,

and more padding too, wouldn't be without it.

Thank you I will take a look at it before making a purchase, I would be interested to see a photo of the modified ironing stool if that's ok ?

[ronl]

[L8-Nite]

I use an Ironing Board Stool and also a Drummer's Throne for observing. Check your local Charity shops, as often you can find a bargain there. I found and paid a fiver or less for each one of these while looking for old Astronomy books.

[Dave In Vermont]

These come in different models, but the same general idea:

 

 

I suggest one that has legs that are flared-out at the base - as shown on the image above. Straight-legs can sink in damp ground and throw you off-balance.

Dave

[JOC]

I've got an ironing stool here too, the slight issue with mine is that to change the height requires me to undo a big hand tightened screw and put it back in again after height adjustment.  However, it is great when I want something high.  In fact for £10 each I also got a couple of adjustable height white plastic bar stools from ebay - they are respectably weather proof, I have one set low, one set high and the ironing stool set very high - I just then sit on the most appropriate one for the viewing target.

[JOC]

NB.  if the ironing board stool has a fabric seat a shower cap fits nicely over it to keep it dry.

[Paz]

I know the op is looking more for diy or low cost ideas but for what it's worth I've got a sky watcher observing chair. it doesn't fit together well and dosesnt feel very robust or quality controlled, but I have to admit it is functionally excellent,   has a long travel from low to high, I use it all the time, and it is still working fine.

[Moonshane]

very easy home made projects. my prototype is going strong seven years on. I have adapted it a bit but it works so well I never made the 'better one'.

 

[Nyctimene]

Not cheap at all (at the  moment 238€ for the Magnum version); but might be the ultimate solution, even for observing with bigger dobs:

The "Füssener Astro-Stuhl", developed 2005 by the Füssener Stargazer's group( with a lot of experience and knowledge of a stargazer's needs).

Very stable (up to 100 kg load), with adjustable seat heights from 31 up to 115 cm. The lower board, usually a footrest,  serves as a step, when I'm observing with the 18", whilst standing, near the zenith. I'm feeling quite comfortable, relaxed and safe, when sitting on the top board at maximal height. You can even stretch it out for observing reclined, with bins, or naked eye for meteor showers.

Got mine as a family gift for my 60. birthday as a "retirement chair", ordered here:

www.intercon-spacetec.de/zubehoer/astronomie-zubehoer/stuehle/3261-fuessener-astro-stuhl-mag

Might also be an interesting DIY project (or carpenter's work).

Stephan

 

 

[Richard Hather]

All great options, I am leaning towards purchasing an ironing stool then modifying it i.e. seats and possibly even the legs so they don't sink into soft ground.

thank you for everyone's input I will keep you all updated ?

[michaelmorris]

I've had my ironing stool observing chair for about 10 years.  I replaced the seat with a homemade one to better suit my somewhat expansive derriere. I also replaced the bolt on the height adjustable with a long coach bolt with the threaded bit cut off.  Adjusting the height of the seat is now very quick and simply

 

[Moonshane]

Taking that a step further, you could presumably drill a series of holes in the bottom section if as is often the case with my kit, I need to get low down.