This is one of the largest optics projects I’ve ever undertaken. I’ve had a fascination with telescopes for a long time, and as an optics student I finally have the opportunity to build rather than buy.
So before we get into the process here are some specs,
- 114mm f900mm Spherical Primary Mirror
- 25mm Secondary Mirror (elliptical profile, flat plane)
- 23mm Aspherical 62 Degree Eyepiece
- Results in an Effective 39x Magnification
The base of the design is a carbon fiber tube, this was inspired by Dave Aldrich’s Video. In my case I used a meter long length of 1″ diameter carbon fiber tubing. Then linking everything together structurally is a 3D printed isogrid, with a corresponding foot/mount. The primary and secondary mirrors are constrained using a screw canister system which has hex bolts imbedded so that the mirrors rotation can be controlled, and collimation achieved. Finally is a quick connect tripod mount.
So lets go over the bill of materials so you can build your own.
| Name | Cost | Link/Source | Notes |
| Main Tube | $35.99 | Amazon | 1m length 1″ OD carbon fiber tubing |
| Primary & Secondary Mirrors | $28.99 | Amazon | 114mm f900mm spherical mirror & 25mm angled mirror |
| A lot of Prints | … | (Used PLA) | 3D prints |
| M6 Heat Set Inserts | … | Amazon | 10x for coupling to tube |
| M4 Heat Set Inserts | … | Amazon | 3x for M4 collimating knobs |
| M6 Hex Bolts | ~2$ | Lowes | 3x 40mm for primary mirror |
| M6 Rounded Bolts | ~2$ | Lowes | 10x 20mm for coupling to tube |
| M4 Hex Bolts | ~2$ | Lowes | 3x 40mm for secondary mirror |
| M6 Wingnuts | ~$3 | Lowes | 3x for primary collimating |
| Adhesive/Epoxy | … | … | Used to fix the focuser retainer in place |
| Compression Springs | … | … | 6x For primary and secondary mirror collimating, may need to be different sizes depending on your selection. |
While not strictly part of the materials I HEAVILY recommend getting a telescope collimator, I got this one and loved it. Though you could probably design and 3D print your own, if I do so I’ll post files here.
Oh and there is a wall mount file included ♡ (just use command strips) .
Trying to figure out the assembly process? Check the blender file included, it has the most comprehensive view of the system.
My tripod adapter will not work on all tripods! If you are not comfortable designing your own you may want to reconsider this build.
