TELESCOPE CLASS - Summer 1999
Sponsored by the Sidewalk Astronomers of Los Angeles- Committed to public service in Astronomy.
Tentative Schedule of Classes
June 12: Introduction - 10am - 12noon
Overview of the telescope making process. Which size to make? How the class will run? Watch John Dobson video on telescope building. Distribution of the kits. Rough grinding.
June 19, 9am - 1pm Help with grinding and instruction on building the mount.
June 26, 9am - 1pm Building the tailgate and tube assembly, grinding help.
July 3, 10am - 12noon, . Rough grinding should be almost complete. Class members should dedicate 30 minutes of grinding at home each day.
July 10, 10am - 12noon Fine grinding begins.
July 17, 10am - 12noon, Pouring pitch laps and polishing instructions.
July 31, 2pm - 4pm - and 8pm - 10pm Figuring the curve of your mirror.
An experienced telescope maker can finish a ten inch telescope in about 16 - 20 hours. If you have the time and your muscles hold up, you can easily finish in 2 weekends. We have had 14 year olds finish in three weeks mostly on their own. We run the class for six weeks to accommodate the average busy schedule and different levels of experience. If you commit to ½ hr per day for three weeks plus class time, you should easily have your telescope finished in six weeks and ready to use in two months.
Estimated time to complete a ten inch scope for the first-time builder:
Explanation (Class time) 4 - 6 hrs Rough grinding 2 - 6 hrs.
Fine grinding 2 - 3 hrs. Polishing 3 - 5 hrs.
Building the Mount 8 - 16 hrs Figuring the curve 1/2 - 3 hrs.
Fees for the class and the standard telescope mirror kits using Pyrex mirror blanks:
Kits include mirror blank, tool, grits, pitch, and a few miscellaneous pieces that are more easily obtained in bulk.
8" $125 10" $225
12.5" $285 16" $615
6" sun telescope $50
$30 instructors fee made payable to The Sidewalk Astronomers.
If porthole glass is available and you want to use it instead of Pyrex, they will cost less by 10% - 15%. You are also responsible for buying the plywood, secondary mirror, the tube, finder scope, and eye-pieces as well as getting the primary mirror aluminized. Depending on the size and how fancy or basic you make your telescope, your final costs could run anywhere from 50% to 200% over the cost of the kit. A typical 10" usually runs around $350 - $450.
Pre-payment for the mirror kit is required by to insure your glass will arrive on time.th. Send to Sidewalk Astronomers, 1946 Vedanta Pl., Hollywood, CA 90068. Call (323) 960 1729 Ext 10.