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Anonymous
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hello everybody 
one day (maybe in a few years), i would like to build my own dob.
i really like the way those truss type dobs look.
i know nothing of woodworking but i do have a technical background (programming).
what sorta tools do i need for the woodworking necessary for dob making?
do you have to make your own mirrors????
any other help would be much appreciated
thanks in advance,
drolma
p.s.
i am now going to research this message board now for info on atm.
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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gonna learn about basic woodworking from watching the handy shows on cable & diy network
& of course lowes + home depot's website 
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Tom L
Reged: 01/07/04
Posts: 29817
Loc: Sunny Oregon
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Just don't cut your thumb off...
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Tom 
Tele Vue 102mm f/8.6 on an EzTouch
Vixen 80mm f/5 A80SSWT on a grab-n-go mount
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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tha is a concern i have
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MMICKELS
Aluminum Knight
Reged: 01/20/04
Posts: 25192
Loc: The Land of Shake and Bake
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You can buy mirrors if you don't want to make your own. I encourage you to research as much as possible. Look at different designs and make a list of what you find important. Weight may be a factor, ease of assembly, ect. Tom L is in the process of making a scope and probably can give more ideas on the subject. What size are you thinking of?
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Mark
"The only thing wrong with immortality is that it tends to go on forever."
Herb Caen
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Tom L
Reged: 01/07/04
Posts: 29817
Loc: Sunny Oregon
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3rd Eye, sorry for taking so long to get back here...meant to follow up with the previous post.
There are several threads about which tools to buy to build an ATM. You can have a full-blown shop down to a handsaw...the choice is yours. There are so many styles and designs for reflectors...you might even create your own design! Just have fun doing and be safe with the tools you use.
Buy your first mirror unless you have a lot of time. Get a copy of David Kriege's book "Building a Dobsonian Telescope" to understand the ins and outs of building a truss design newtonian. Did I mention to make sure you have fun doing it???
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Tom
Tele Vue 102mm f/8.6 on an EzTouch
Vixen 80mm f/5 A80SSWT on a grab-n-go mount
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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thanks guyz for the advice
i will make sure i enjoy the process & as well as the goal.
it won't be for awhile so i will make sure i get that book.
just something i want to be able to do with my son or daughter when they get old enough.
i want to build one 1st before i try it out with them
thanks again & i will research as much as possible,
drolma
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erik
telescope surgeon
Reged: 01/30/04
Posts: 24019
Loc: Hawaii 19 N lat -155 Long.
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good luck with your project, drolma, and let us know when you get started with it...
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-Erik Wilcox
Homebuilt 16" Truss Dob
SV 80mm ED Nighthawk NG on M1 ALT/AZ
Nikon Prostaff 65mm spotter on Trekpod
Konusvue 20x80 binos/Peterson pipemount
Orion 10x50 binos
Homebuilt 80mm f/5 refractor
Mirador 60mm f/12 1960's refractor
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Jeff Morgan
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/28/03
Posts: 1532
Loc: Prescott, AZ
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When I did my last truss tube scope I found a furniture maker who gave wood working classes at the local high school shop. Really helped solve the tool and workspace problem. Otherwise, you will need:
1) Something to make long straight cuts. A table saw is best. A circular or sabre saw will work.
2) Something to make holes. Hand drill is fine, drill press or hand phaser is great.
3) Something to make curved cuts. Router is best, sabre saw is acceptable.
4) Something to make wood joints. Plate Joiner is great, but even el cheapo angle irons can work. So can dowels. So can drywall screws. If you plan on using glue, you will need clamps, at least 4. Size will depend upon you project.
Those are the major tools, you will also need lots of smaller items. And of course, a large flat surface to work on. Someplace where the project can sit undisturbed for long periods of time. A work bench is best. A Black & Decker Workmate is ok, even a concrete floor would do, just lay down a thick piece of scrap plywood.
Keep in mind, especially for the first project, it doesn't need to be fine furniture quality (even though the we all end up trying for that result). If you travel to a dark sky site, that scope is going to get banged, scuffed, even scratched.
For optics, that is another large endeavor. Fun, but time consuming. If you want to do this, look to a local club for classes (you may also find wood shop resources there). First time, budget 100 hours of labor for the project. Yes, it will take months, especially if you start with a large (10"+) mirror. It is pretty accurate to say that a newbie can do a 6" and a 10" faster than he can do a 10" due to the learning curve.
There are many sources for finished mirrors, from budget to exquisite. Oddly enough, this is probably the most cost effective part of the project to outsource.
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Jeff Morgan
Prescott, AZ
Wile E. Coyote School of Telescope Making
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Tom L
Reged: 01/07/04
Posts: 29817
Loc: Sunny Oregon
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Excellent advice, Jeff! 
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Tom
Tele Vue 102mm f/8.6 on an EzTouch
Vixen 80mm f/5 A80SSWT on a grab-n-go mount
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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thanks alot again guyz
you guys have helped me (& others') so much 
thanks again & i will keep you guyz in the know
clear skies,
drolma
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