I have always had an intersted in astronomy and use to check a few things out as a kid. Was lucky enough to get some great views of Halleys Comet when it cam past too. Then awhile ago my interested was pricked a bit more, my wife got me a 60mm refractor with acrylic lenses and some how I found out that you can make your own telescope. Including making a very accurate mirror from a slab of glass. Well, I thought I have just gotta have a go at this since I love building things, can't really afford to get a good quality telescope and how many people can say they have built themselves a telescope?

Below you will find some details of the various stages of construction of the telescope. It has already been 12 months in the making, the mirror grinding took the back seat for awhile (and it was wrong anyway). But I am motivated again, so plan to get it done, fully completed by the end of this year.

Yet to add the full text in here, I just wanted to get the photographs I have taken so far up.

Mirror Storage Box

Box made from chipboard to store the mirror in.

Box open to show how the mirror sits within.

Mirror removed to show how the mirror is supported within the box.

Coarse Grinding of the Mirror

Starting the coarse grinding with #80 grit.

Mirror with coarse grinding just started using #80 grit.

Coarse grinding with #80 grit, half way to the edge.

Halfway to the edge with coarse grinding using #80 grit.

Coarse grinding with #80 grit finished, close to edge.

Tool on top coarse grinding with #80 grit.

Close up of mirror after completed coarse grinding with #80 grit.

Appearence through mirror at start of #120 grit wet.

Appearence through mirror at end of #120 grit wet.

Mirror at end of #120 grit grinding.

Fine Grinding of the Mirror

Small amount of the 20 um powder on top of the grinding tool.

20 um powder wetted prior to starting the wet.

Appearence through the mirror blank of the start of the 20 um wet.

Part way through the a 20 um wet.

Appearence through mirror of 20 um wet at end.

Mirro and tool separated after end of a 20 um wet.

Top view of the mirror after completion of the 20 um fine grinding.

Side view of the mirror after completion of the 20 um fine grinding.

Polishing the Mirror

Currently are up to this stage with the mirror. Have to find a heating plate for melting the pitch first, then will be into it.

Telescope Mount Construction

I plan here to make the initial mount out of MDF, then once work out the full details of design and construction, make it out of redgum to make it a real feature piece. So the design is going to have to look good, as well as do the job that it is meant to.