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I don't currently own any telescopes and while saving to buy the one I had my eye on, came across the idea of building my own. The more I thought about it, and resarched it, the more I thought it would be a fun and great learning experience. I've come across dozens of schematics online to build home telescopes for different types but haven't had the opportunity to go over them yet to determine which one(s) may be the best to attempt. I'm curious if anyone on here has taken on one of these DIY projects or has this as a hobby. Maybe offer some advice to a first timer like myself.
I noticed some of the schematics appear to contain some woodworking, an area of extreme weakness. I'm good with electronics, and i've successfully built everything from things such as Nitro R/C cars to model rockets and home computers. However, I had a failed attempt at a nitro model airplane as the the cutting, measuring, fitting, etc of the wood kicked my butt. (The wings were off as was the fuselage). Despite amazing carpentry skills in my family, I am without and extremely inept in this area. In fact, I'd say if I were a gaming character where you could see my attributes, that field would probably have a negative number. Too bad there is no "small tools (saws, drills, etc) perk" for those who are inept in this area. I nearly failed shop in High School due to the woodworking portion of the class.
Have you hunted for a kit that would provide the parts you'd have trouble making? Can you swap expertise with someone in your family to help you with the woodworking bits?
Have you hunted for a kit that would provide the parts you'd have trouble making? Can you swap expertise with someone in your family to help you with the woodworking bits?
Haven't had a chance to look just yet. I do know that just briefly scanning that there does appear to be the option of buying certain parts as opposed to fabricating. As for the woodworking part, no such luck. The close family members like my dad, etc are all gone. I have no family in the state I'm currently living in anyway.
I built two telescopes in my teens. They are fun to build and you will learn a lot. Grinding the mirrors takes several months and you do also have to build some optical test equipment that is pretty simple.
Find a local astronomy club or people interested in Astronomy and they can help get you started. Many astronomy clubs have a lending library of telescopes you can borrow. Also you will get some great information that will prevent many mistakes and dead ends!!
Visit Telescope Reviews | Cloudy Nights. There is a beginners forum there. They also have a classified section for selling used telescopes and other astronomy equipment.
Go the library and get this book: Build your Own Telescope by Richard Berry. He has complete plans for five different telescopes. You can build his 6" f8 Dobsonian reflector mount in an afternoon out of wood. It is a VERY GOOD mount. He also covers the basics of grinding your own mirror.
It is CHEAPER to buy a good telescope than build it. You can find good used telescopes that will last a lifetime for $300-500 dollars. However, grinding your own mirror is a kick in the pants.
Good luck...it is a interesting, but difficult hobby. Don't be afraid to look and ask for help.
Wow, what a project! I sure wouldn't attempt it - the slightest thing that could go wrong and the scope is almost useless.
You got guts! Imagine looking through it at the stars for the first time and finding chromatic aberration or astigmatism!
I'd cry and stomp and go nuts....I sure do wish you luck!
I don't currently own any telescopes and while saving to buy the one I had my eye on, came across the idea of building my own. The more I thought about it, and resarched it, the more I thought it would be a fun and great learning experience. I've come across dozens of schematics online to build home telescopes for different types but haven't had the opportunity to go over them yet to determine which one(s) may be the best to attempt. I'm curious if anyone on here has taken on one of these DIY projects or has this as a hobby. Maybe offer some advice to a first timer like myself.
I noticed some of the schematics appear to contain some woodworking, an area of extreme weakness. I'm good with electronics, and i've successfully built everything from things such as Nitro R/C cars to model rockets and home computers. However, I had a failed attempt at a nitro model airplane as the the cutting, measuring, fitting, etc of the wood kicked my butt. (The wings were off as was the fuselage). Despite amazing carpentry skills in my family, I am without and extremely inept in this area. In fact, I'd say if I were a gaming character where you could see my attributes, that field would probably have a negative number. Too bad there is no "small tools (saws, drills, etc) perk" for those who are inept in this area. I nearly failed shop in High School due to the woodworking portion of the class.
I built mine for a High School science/engineering fair, building a telescope with spare parts (or something along that line)
I did grind my own mirror and I did purchase the lens (eyepiece) BUT the rest was made from scrap/castoff odds and ends, including a plywood box mount and a steel pipe for the base ....
Must have been impressive to someone. Even though it looked like a joke, I took best in Engineering at the fair.
And NO I am not an engineer now.
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I'm good with electronics, and i've successfully built everything from things such as Nitro R/C cars to model rockets and home computers. However, I had a failed attempt at a nitro model airplane as the the cutting, measuring, fitting, etc of the wood kicked my butt. (The wings were off as was the fuselage). Despite amazing carpentry skills in my family, I am without and extremely inept in this area. In fact, I'd say if I were a gaming character where you could see my attributes, that field would probably have a negative number. Too bad there is no "small tools (saws, drills, etc) perk" for those who are inept in this area. I nearly failed shop in High School due to the woodworking portion of the class. 
Imagine looking through it at the stars for the first time and finding chromatic aberration or astigmatism!
