building a dobsonian

Hi all,

Im very much new to the whole astronomy thing and the first thing im doing is building me a scope. A 10" dobsonian to be exact.

I need yere help on two counts....

1 Is there a mirror supplier in ireland??? Beacon hill in the uk have a 10" set for 274 sterling (thats 400 euros). This seems to be the best I can find

2. Anybody got any eyepieces/finders that theyre not using anymore and wanna sell??? (worth a try).....


oh and heres a third
3. any other kerryman stargazers out there?

1) Andromeda Optics www.andromedaoptics.com & North Down Telescopes www.mccreaa.freeserve.co.uk sell scopes as reasonable prices.
For telescope parts, see this thread:
www.irishastronomy.org/boards/viewtopic.php?t=1047&highlight=

2) I'd focus on the scope firsat to be honest. However, a good place to buy second-hand gear is here:
www.astromart.com

3) Kerry Astronomy Club:
homepage.eircom.net/~kerryac/
(I'm a Knocknagoshel man myself although I live up in Kildare now!

Michael

Welcome Spudnik!

I told you that you'd get some better advice here!



If you go into the Memberlist (above left), look for the user mjs (Michael J. Scully) - I think he is Secretary of Kerry Astronomy Club, and he comes on here often. You can click on the pm button under his profile, or send him an email.

Happy hunting!

Seanie.

Hi Spudnik,

Michael Scully of Kerry Astronomy club. Sorry for not responding earlier but we were out at an observing session last night! (some of the clearest skies in along time. That is until the cloud rolled in at midnight. Report on the website soon)
You have the link above to our website and you will see that we are having a meeting on Tuesday next. I do not know if you are a Kerryman in exile (like MOC ) but if you are in the area, do come along.
A couple of us have made our own 'scopes so we may be able to help.

See you then?

Michael, KAC/SAC

Hi Spudnik

Don't do any buying until you check out Sky Instriments in Canada I can't put my hand on their web adress at moment but you can check out their stuff on www.handsonoptics.com under ANTARES or Sky Inst...
I got all my dob equipment from them and theyre very good and ship to IRL too They make their own eyepieces also which are extremely good value.
If I cant locate the web adress over the w/end I'll give them a ring on Monday for you.
EG Their price for an 8" plate glass mirror is US$ 119 and $149 for pyrex
The 10"is $199 , dont have pyrex price.
I also have a supply of polycarbonate bearings that are ideal for the base.
THe little modesty blocks that are used for furniture aer perfect for the tube discs and OWATROL primer allows you to paint any surface whether it be plastic or galvanised.
You can PM me if you like.

Eugene

thanks for all the info! I thought no one was replying because I didnt receive any email notifications! :oops:

You have the link above to our website and you will see that we are having a meeting on Tuesday next. I do not know if you are a Kerryman in exile (like MOC ) but if you are in the area, do come along.

Cheers michael. I AM in kerry at the moment but probably only for another couple of weeks. Will most likely be moving up to dublin for a job . Unfortunately I wont be able to make it on tuesday(today!) as I am in limerick for the night. I'll keep an eye on the website and I may see you at the next event/observing session

Don't do any buying until you check out Sky Instriments in Canada

You're right . Those prices look excellent, Im just wondering about the shipping cost. The only progress I've made on my scope so far is I have my tube (12" pvc sewer pipe) and I have my can of spray paint (flat matt black) which seems to adhere to the pvc tube just fine. I'll pm you for more details....