Astronomy & Telescope Making
Private
Owner: Alice Hartwell | 9 members | Science & Education
Build your own telescope from scratch! Mirror grinding, tube assemblies, and mount construction. The most rewarding way to observe the sky is through an instrument you made yourself.
Charlie Reeves
Dobsonian mount construction
Jul 24, 2026 2:30 pm
Simple altitude-azimuth mount from plywood and Teflon pads. Total material cost: $30. Plans and measurements inside.
Charlie Reeves
Jul 28, 2026 10:30 pm
Anyone else having this issue? I thought it was just me.
Dave Modem
Jul 29, 2026 1:30 pm
Great thread! Subscribing for updates.
Charlie Reeves
Jul 30, 2026 8:30 pm
Thanks for sharing! This is exactly what I was looking for.
Avtoservis_inei
Jul 31, 2026 7:30 am
This is exactly the kind of straight talk I come here for. No fluff, just help.
Charlie Reeves
Jul 31, 2026 9:30 am
Great point! I totally agree with this.
Avtoservis_inei
Grinding a 6-inch mirror
May 29, 2026 7:30 pm
Started with a glass blank and grit. 8 hours of grinding so far. The curve is forming! Progress photos weekly.
Charlie Reeves
May 30, 2026 7:30 pm
Has anyone else tried this? I am curious about other experiences.
Dave Modem
Jun 2, 2026 2:30 am
Replying to follow this thread. Very useful discussion!
Charlie Reeves
First light with my homemade scope
Mar 13, 2026 11:30 pm
After 6 months of work, first light on Saturn. Seeing the rings through a mirror you ground yourself is indescribable.
Charlie Reeves
Mar 14, 2026 8:30 pm
I asked the same thing in another group and got way worse answers. You all rock.
Alice Hartwell
Mar 17, 2026 3:30 am
This is going straight into my notes. Already learned three new things today.
Charlie Reeves
Mar 17, 2026 1:30 pm
Solid advice. Been doing it the hard way for years - this is so much better.
Avtoservis_inei
Mar 20, 2026 12:30 pm
Saving this for later. Will report back with my results.
Charlie Reeves
Mirror testing with a Foucault tester
Mar 8, 2026 1:30 pm
Built a simple Foucault tester for $15. Essential for checking your mirror surface during grinding. How to read the shadows.
Charlie Reeves
Mar 12, 2026 11:30 am
LOL this is so true. Been there, done that.
Avtoservis_inei
Mar 12, 2026 11:30 am
This group is the best. Always helpful and never judgmental.
Alice Hartwell
Mar 12, 2026 4:30 pm
My uncle does this for a living and he agrees 100% with what you said.
Charlie Reeves
Mar 14, 2026 1:30 pm
I second this recommendation. Have been using it for months.
Dave Modem
Mar 15, 2026 4:30 am
Bookmarking this thread. So much good info here.
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