Home Made Dust Cap Advice

Hi all

Can anyone give me any suggestions on how to construct a durable dust cap that will slide on and off from the front of my 16" dobsonian. The tube diameter is 16".

Thanks in advance.

* Also how do you make this avatar smaller? :oops:

Correction i meant tube is 19" in diameter. Would appreciate any help.

Thanks!

Lovely scope.
You need to run the image through photoshop or something similar and reduce the image size, thats way to big !!

As for a durable lid, I'll have to think about that one.

better yet heres one I did for you



www.irishastronomy.org/user_resources/fi...6-DSCF0362_small.jpg

Dave thanks alot for that reduced pic. Im currently refurbishing the 16" as we speak, painting the inside matt black, moving the location of the focuser, cleaning the optics and i plan to paint the tube and rocker box a navy blue colour though i cant seem to be able to get that colour in a spray can here.

Defnitely let me know any ides on the dust cap

Thanks!

Martin - I've manufactured a solar filter and a Hartman mask from card (not cardboard) and they are cheap, easy to make and do a great job.

I got the card (the kind you see in picture frames) from Easons. A huge square (about A1 I think) is only 4.99. You may need two sheets for a big dob.

I basically cut out a circle just bigger than the diam of the OTA. Then a long rectangular piece which you need to bend and cajole into a circle (I used the edge of a table). Then I just taped the two pieces together for a real snug fit. I guess a dustcap might need more of a seal - perhaps some kind of soft cloth or felt glued to the inside would give a closer fit.

The card is heavy and smooth and you can get it in an assortment of colours.

Dave