DIY Orion dobsonian base

[wormix]

Thought I would share the base I have been working on. I recently picked up a HEQ5 Mount which came with an Orion XT10 OTA.  I felt that a 250mm scope was way too large for an EQ Mount so I decided to build a dobsonian base for it. 

To make life simple I have essentially copied the design of current Synta bases and have asked for some advice and dimensions on here and as usual people have been really helpful - so thank you to you.

Currently I have the timber cut and assembled, all fit on a single sheet of ply - I’m mulling over cutting out some panels in the side to reduce weight but probably won’t as I’m lazy!

The tube mounts will run on nylon bearings much like the original design, with hand screws running in brass bushes through the side panels to maintain tension.  The Azimuth axis will run on Teflon furniture gliders for now - was a toss up between lazy susan and teflon.

Just waiting on the brass bushes and nylon spacers before doing a test assembly - fingers crossed it all works.  Then a slap of paint and I should be ready to experience the joys of late aperture!  

Overall happy with the results so far - only issue my bad maths meant the circular panels were cut slightly too small.  

 

[wormix]

A bit more done on this project over the past couple of days - some 20mm nylon spacers arrived so I could create the bearing blocks and I’ve now done a test for to check I got my measurements right. 

 

The scope moves nicely in Alt with the aid of some tension in the hand screws tightening the scope up to some Teflon pads.

 

Next up is a slap of paint before final assembly.  

[wormix]

All done - needs a bit of tweaking but seems to work well. 
 

There is a bit of stiction that I will need to work through. May try the Vinyl Record idea to reduce it a touch. 
 

Next up is working on the horrendous Focuser. 

[Ships and Stars]

Ah nice! This is exactly what I want to do with my 200p Newt, currently on an EQ5 - I don't do AP and don't get on with EQ mounts, can't even see Polaris from obstructions around home. 

The 200p is begging for a dobson mount.

Great job with your Orion newt/dob.