The Dobsonian mount is relatively inexpensive and easy to build. I had already built a 10" Dobsonian from plans out of Berry's book and had a good basic understanding of the workings of this type of mount. The real challenge of this project was Dave's suggestion that we advertise the workshop as "Build your own telescope for $100!" This budget of $100 was to prove to be the most challenging aspect of the project, but one which we were able to meet.

Initially, we planned to make focusers out of PVC pipe to I 1/4" eyepiece size, but Dave called one night saying he had heard about a salvage company in south Kansas City with telescope parts for sale. We met there the next day and for a modest investment, bought two station wagon's full - of used, abused, and some new telescope parts originally from a repair and return center which went broke after the great consumer rip-off during Halley's Comet. Included among all the parts were many .965" focusers of good quality. That's when we decided to make our telescopes with .965" focusers.

We scheduled the workshop for three Saturdays in September. We were to meet and build the telescopes from noon until 4 p.m. on each Saturday. We ended up working from noon until 6p.m, and completing the telescopes in two Saturdays. In all, twelve telescopes were assembled. I made one of them.

The mirrors were ordered from Edmund Scientific and arrived on schedule. Not enough can be said about the service provided by the Edmund Scientific staff. They gave us a nice discount, built extra mirrors when we learned they did not have sufficient ones in stock, and shipped Federal Express at no extra charge when it looked like our delivery might be in jeopardy. I highly recommend going to them for any telescope building parts. Their prices are competitive too.

The basic plan of the workshop was to cut plywood, assemble all the wood pieces, and a primer coat at the first session. This was done. The participants then took their telescopes home to paint them. Our next session was not for two weeks. Everyone was to bring their painted telescopes back in two weeks for final assembly including mounting the mirrors. I took the mirror cells home with me.

The mirrors arrived on schedule two days before the next session and I was able to mount them on the mirror cells using silicone rubber adhesive. The silicone needs to dry for 24 to36 hours before you can handle it. By the time Saturday rolled around, the mirror cells were ready and the group met again to assemble telescopes. This went smoothly and everyone left with working telescopes. We still planned to meet again on the following Saturday to make eyepieces from some more salvaged piece parts and take a group picture at the annual picnic of the Astronomical Society of Kansas City.

Since the start of the workshop several other members of the ASKC have contacted me wanting to build this telescope themselves. Unfortunately, the workshop was well under way and it would have been difficult to make up lost time. Most have expressed interest in a future workshop and a few have asked me to write out, step by step what to do to so they can do it on their own. That is the purpose of this handbook. I have tried to be very specific about where to get material and what to use and most references are to stores and sources in the Kansas City area. This handbook was originally directed primarily at ASKC members. However, others who may use this handbook will surely find comparable stores or sources in their own community. Also the section on the focuser includes an alternative of using PVC pipe in case a salvaged .965" focuser can't be found. This is what I did on my first 4.25" and it works quite well - it just doesn't look as fancy.

I was amazed initially to learn that a fairly high percentage of members in our astronomy club do not own a telescope other than a 60 mm refractor. Looking at prices like $495 for an inferior 4.25" reflector, I can understand why. I think it is important to get new members involved in telescope building and with a decent instrument during their first year with the club. If they can have something portable and always available for quick set-up in the backyard, they are more likely to continue to develop their knowledge and interest in astronomy and become even greater participants in club activities. Our astronomy club, the Astronomical Society of Kansas City, is one of the larger ones in the country, primarily because of the helpful, friendly attitude of the most active members. We have over 270 members, a nice observatory, a wonderful library, tremendous benefactors, and an enthusiastic interest in educating the public. Now, we have a telescope building program for new members which should increase member involvement and help new members to grow in the subject.