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About Teeter's solid tube telescope

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#1 Victor Martinez

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Posted 19 June 2025 - 11:12 AM

Hi,

I'm considering building a structure similar to the one used for Teeter's Solid Tube Telescopes for a 10" f/4.8 Newtonian telescope. Would anyone who owns one of these telescopes be so kind as to provide me with the measurements for such a structure?
Thank you.



#2 areyoukiddingme

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Posted 19 June 2025 - 08:34 PM

I had the same question for setting up the tube for my 8" F7 (i.e., where to place the secondary vanes as well as where to drill the hole for the focuser.

 

It has been some time and I don't recall the calculator I used, but they are available. This Catseye one might work for you. My recollection is I found a simpler one (will keep looking):

 

https://www.catseyec.../designie5.html



#3 Victor Martinez

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Posted 20 June 2025 - 01:03 AM

Thanks, but I was referring to the wooden Dobson structure that supports the optical tube.

#4 Bill Weir

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Posted 20 June 2025 - 11:53 AM

A friend made one for exactly the size you plan years before Teeter made his. He just  made a box about 2” wider than the tube. Make cradles on the bottom edge of the box for the tube to rest on. Then on the side that would meet the top side of the tube he then added 2 wing screws through T nuts. He then had a thin strip of wood on top side of the scope tube. Tightening the wing screws against the wood created pressure to hold the scope in place. It was simple to release the screws to adjust the tube for balance similar to a rail system.

 

Bill

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#5 Starman1

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Posted 20 June 2025 - 01:08 PM

https://stellafane.o...b/newt-web.html



#6 Victor Martinez

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Posted 21 June 2025 - 06:53 AM

Thanks. I think I may not have expressed myself well. What I need are the measurements of the Dobsonian structure that supports the 10" optical tube.
https://www.teeterstelescopes.com/sts

#7 mblack

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Posted 21 June 2025 - 08:45 AM

Hello Victor. First, let me say I have truly enjoyed one of Robs 10" solid tubes for many years now. In that vein, since Rob is not currently producing his fine dobs I will pass on these measurements.

 

Rocker box: Mirror Box: 14 12/16" square. Bearing wheel: 12 15/16"

 

Base: Height 26" Width 16 11/16" Bearing wheel cradle ~ 13 1/2" plus felt ( or whatever may be used )

 

Good luck with your project.

 

 

( edited, thank to Keith for the help : )


Edited by mblack, 21 June 2025 - 02:53 PM.


#8 Keith Rivich

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Posted 21 June 2025 - 09:34 AM

Thanks. I think I may not have expressed myself well. What I need are the measurements of the Dobsonian structure that supports the 10" optical tube.
https://www.teeterstelescopes.com/sts

 

 

"Dobsonian structure" = "Rocker Box"

 

The part that holds the telescope (along with the side bearings) is usually called the "mirror box" but it may different names for solid tube telescopes.

 

The part that sits on the ground is the "ground board".  


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#9 mblack

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Posted 21 June 2025 - 12:18 PM

^ Thanks for the elucidation : )    Obviously not terms I do, or ever, think of myself..

 

I'm sure the topic starter will be able to work through my 'misplanation'


Edited by mblack, 21 June 2025 - 12:21 PM.


#10 Victor Martinez

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Posted 21 June 2025 - 03:43 PM

Thanks

#11 Bill Weir

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Posted 23 June 2025 - 12:12 AM

The radius/curvature of the felt lined circle that supports the tube will all depend on the tube diameter. Same goes for the box you build around it. The fit needs to be snug but not too snug or you won’t be able to slide the tube forward and back to find the balance point. This is why my friend designed his with tension ability.

 

Bill


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