Does anyone know of an online how-to for making a bracket and collimating the scopes?

Thanks, Lee

I've seen plans for making what you want, and can't remember where, for use on a regular tripod.
I think the collimating part you can do by aiming each scope at a distant point, infinity, and adjusting each so they point at the same spot. The bracket, and the scope tie downs on it, must have some individual scope adjustment capability.
I'll try to think of where I saw the plans
Don

Thanks. I'm finally getting a hobby machine shop set up and I'd love to make some huge binos.

Lee

Telescopes? Yes. Binos? No...

Google "Dobsonian" or "John Dobson and telescope", that should get you started on optics. His design helped me build my first 16" reflector telescope.

Might be worth a try.

Dave-
I didn't know you were into astronomy. I'd like to get into it as well. I have Celestron 25x100mm binos, but it's cheap glass. Better glass can be had from a mid-range spotting scope, so I want to put a pair of those together. I want it for terrestrial as well as astronomical use.

I also have a Meade beginner telescope. It's a 114mm reflector. I'm not really happy with it. Not powerful enough. I would like to have a Dobsonian. I have this book, but I don't have the money for a mirror right now. One day...



There's a photo of a 41-inch mirror in there.



Did you make your own mirror or did you buy one?

Have you seen the 2 different "go to" conversions for Dobs? One is by Mel Bartels and the other is simply called "Dob Driver" (IIRC). Yeah I really want to get into it but I have to wait until I'm making better money. I suppose I didn't need a Lathe, Mill, or Shaper, but hey, they'll help build future telescope and accessories.

Yep. Into Astronomy in a big way, ever since the celestial nav course.
Don't have any comets named yet, but hey.

Currently running an 8" Dob, I can lift it no worries, and it's quick and easy to set up at the local club's dark sky site.

I didn't have the $$$ for a big mirror either, I just got a 16" blank and started polishing. Kept me busy on those slow nights as Guard Commander...
I'll see if I can dig up some pics.