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First and foremost…...

Mark and David, my father and brother.  It has been a joy and timeless experience to work with both of them, their expertise in two very important areas have resulted in a great 13.1 inch scope;  it is an honor to have them help with the 20 inch.  My father has done all the steel work on the tailgates and 18 point mirror cells.  My brother helps with the woodwork on both the secondary cage and mirror box.  Not only is their work exacting and functional but it also results in a REALLY slick looking instrument!

Tom Whitney, a great friend who provides excellent advice, motivation, a nice finder-scope and Telrad.

Wayne Alderman, he owns a 16 inch scope, yet another built with Obsession’s book.  He has provided excellent experience advice, a scale and virgin Teflon left over from his build, and giant piece of 30 inch (yes, 30 INCH) sono-tube for my secondary cage hat box. 

     Are you thinking of building YOUR ultimate scope?  Below you will find links to the resources I have used while designing and building all of my scopes, they are GREAT businesses with excellent products and superb customer service.  Notice I said “designing” as well.  Not only do these folks offer excellent products but they are very knowledgeable and always eager to help in their expertise; drop them an email or give them a call….they share our common passion.

"Give credit to those who helped you so much" is the title of the Foreword in the book The Dobsonian Telescope by Kriege and Berry. Excellent advice!  With the support of my family and friends, this book has taught me step by step, detail by detail just how to build a solid, buttery smooth structure within which to house my optics and point them toward the night sky. Rather then just blind, step by step instructions, The Dobsonian Telescope is filled with the "why's" as well.  Learn about the physical properties of numerous materials and why they do or do not make good telescopes.  Learn there is another reason beyond air circulation that open tailgates are superior (hint:  why remove that 50+ lb primary to clean it?!)  Did you know that Virgin Teflon and Ebony Star formica have a specific psi at which they produce the buttery smooth motion so well known on Obsessions?  Or, did you know that the psi for glassboard is different?  Bet you didn't even know that on certain scopes glassboard is used in place of Ebony Star.  Need help determining which aperture is best for you in regards to finances, portability and "the other half"?....it's all here!  Not only should you buy this book if you are seriously thinking about building a large aperture telescope, you should also READ IT CAREFULLY front to back AT LEAST ONCE before starting your dreamscope!  Click the book for details and to order.


20 inch f/5 Primary Mirror, 3.1 inch m.a. Secondary Mirror.  See About The Optics or visit their website.

Ebony Star Formica, Kydex light baffle material, threaded inserts.  LOTS of those hard-to-find parts for ALL ATMs

The Dobsonian Telescope book, altitude bearings, upper pole clamps, split bolts.  See  ATM Parts on their website.

Secondary Mirror Holder and 4-Vane Spider.  Excellent clutch plate tensioning system means NO LOCKING SCREWS!!

SkyEng

Digital Setting Circles 


 
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