How Can I Build My Own Telescope Without a Tube?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter mishoz
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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on building a telescope tube for a Skywatcher Refractor 1025AZ3, specifically addressing the challenges faced by users who lack the original tube. Participants recommend the book "How to Make a Telescope" by Jean Texereau for guidance. Key resources include YouTube videos for construction techniques and specific websites for telescope mirror blanks and grinding supplies. The importance of a sensitive Foucault tester for mirror figuring is emphasized, along with links to detailed instructions for grinding and polishing mirrors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of telescope components, specifically refractor and reflector designs.
  • Familiarity with mirror figuring techniques and the Foucault tester.
  • Knowledge of grinding and polishing processes for telescope mirrors.
  • Access to resources for telescope mirror blanks and construction materials.
NEXT STEPS
  • Read "How to Make a Telescope" by Jean Texereau for comprehensive building instructions.
  • Watch YouTube videos on telescope construction and mirror making techniques.
  • Research the use of the Foucault tester for accurate mirror figuring.
  • Explore websites like http://stellafane.org for detailed grinding and polishing directions.
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, amateur telescope makers, and anyone interested in building custom telescopes or improving their mirror-making skills.

mishoz
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Hello,
I've bought a skywatcher refractor 1025AZ3 with D:102mm F:500mm but unfortunatlly i wasnt able to get into my country so i have everything except the tube, so i decided to build the tube..do u know how i can find the construction instructions to build this tube or is it possible to build another refractor tube with different specs or even a reflactor one?


p.s: i have 45º Erect Prism, 1.25” Super 25 and 10,Red dot finder.

Thank you.
Ahmed
 
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Hi,
I am also planning to build a telescope, need to collect all the equipment. looking for best measurements and its type.The suggested book was "How to make a telescope " Jean Texereau.
 
Ive used all youtube videos and kinda looked up each part as I went. The most difficult phase I have found is the figuring of the mirror into a paraboloid from a sphere. The foucault tester involved has to be very sensitive. So make sure to build a very sturdy tester. This is the best one I have found is here http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=FL61C1Lsgudm9Db_s6qRQOag, the cheapest place for grinding/polishing supplies is http://firsthanddiscovery.com/. The blank itself is hard to find cheap. I got one on ebay for 13 dollars and it was beat to hell, but easy to clean up, unfortunately that was two years ago and I haven't seen another cheap one since. Here is the cheapest site I have found for blanks. http://www.telescopemirrorblanks.com/. I had to restart my mirror twice so I have a real good idea on what to do and what not to do.
Here is the best site for grinding and polishing directions. http://stellafane.org/tm/atm/. And for figuring I used this http://www.loptics.com/ATM/mirror_making/full_lap/full_lap.html and this http://www.bbastrodesigns.com/JoyOfMirrorMaking/Parabolizing.html. There is a good video explaining the different test types on the ATM link as well. I am sending my mirror off to be aluminized as we speak. Happy Grinding!
 

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