Re: ATM 6" Dob: How Easy? How Cheap? How Heavy?

[Mike <mfleenor@icx.net>]

Hi All,

I have been using my newly completed 8"f/7 for about 2 months now.
Fortunately I had a few veteran glass pushers to mentor me along the way and
I 've got one incredibly good mirror. I had it under dark skies these past
two nights ---WOW,  globulars look nice through an 8".

I used a UO 1.52" 1/10 wave secondary and I used their 1.25" helical focuser
as well. I have been extremely satisfied with those products. I made my
primary mirror cell (Yippe - fun with a router) and spider/diagonal assy.

I personally do not like the spiders from Orion,UO,etc.--They attatch to the
tube in only one spot, which makes them easier to move around. I had a
friend machine me some parts that I used with banding metal to create a very
secure spider/diagonal assy . Even after hauling my scope into the mountains
down the interstate at 75 mph, every thing stays perfectly in alignment!

I would recommend to any one building even a 6" to use 3/4" plywood. I used
3/4"
birch listed as "furniture grade" at my local Home Depot. You can also find
2x2 and half sheets of plywood if you do not want to buy a whole sheet. The
birch will not splinter easily as other softer woods and the extra "weight"
involved is only minimal when you consider what you gain in stability. I use
my telescope from my suburban location and pack it away for camping trips in
the country. The weight is easily managed

Final comments-

This has been the most rewarding project in all my 28 years! My first
attempt at "fine" carpentry and mirror making was a huge success.True, I
could've bought a good 8" reflector from a commercial source but the
personal satisfaction that comes from gazing at Jupiter or a sparkling
globular with a telescope that you built made the extra expense more than
worth it!

Go for it !!!    Remeber to bring with you lots of patience

For more info visit my web page  http://user.icx.net/~mfleenor/frames.htm

Regards,

Mike


Mike Fleenor
Knoxville,TN

Visit Mike's Home Planet  http://user.icx.net/~mfleenor/


Greg Troutman wrote:

>
>
>
>
> Besides a pretty thorough line of products, the quality _appears_ very
> high to me.  I was hoping someone who has used their components could
> comment on that and contrast to the components in commercial (both
> cheapo and higher end) dobsonians. I'm thinking of getting primary,
> secondary, mirror cell, and 4-vane from them.  Maybe I'll build my own
> mirror cell and vane though, unless I hear that the offerings from
> University are really fantastic quality, in which case I'll probably
> just spend the bucks.  The prices seem good.  Cheaper than equivalent
> parts from Orion, despite seeming to be higher end...
>
>