Build a PVC Focuser for Your Telescope
Date: Tue, March 1, 2005
One of the more expensive and troublesome parts of amateur telescope making is a smoothly operating focuser... unless you read the following page:
I haven't built this one yet but a quick trip to Lowe's will fix that!
The focuser I'm using on my homemade Dob is actually borrowed from work and I'll have to return it someday. I think this will make a great replacement.
Jim:
Well, I'm getting started on my version of this focuser. I took a trip to Lowe's (not an endorsement... it's just close and I know my way around to find things).
Just buying the materials turned out to be an ordeal and a learning experience.
I'm going to keep a real Build Diary of this project which you can read by clicking here.
Should be fun.
Dave:
Looked at your page -- reminded me I need to buy some dust masks for myself. I've inhaled enough MDF to probably shorten my lifespan.
hehe, definately should take pictures of your materials, I especially want to see the milk jug... ;)
hehe, definately should take pictures of your materials, I especially want to see the milk jug... ;)
Jim:
The build is progressing and the web page has been updated every day.
I finished up the gluing so it actually looks like a telescope focuser.
Check it out.
Jim:
The build is still progressing although I took a day off while trying to find some plastic for the base.
As the page says, I'm hoping to have first light by this weekend so wish me luck.
I bet this works pretty well too. Hmmm, is there anyone who makes eyepiece optics on their own? Such tiny parts to do by hand, but they obviously made them before the industrial revolution, so it has to be doable.