Eric's 16" Truss Kit -- Rocker Box...

Eric's rocker box with 12" sides.

The fit is just right.

A "Bit" More on Joe's 16"

Joe asked me to "rework" his 16" Dobstuff
truss telescope, AND to lighten the load a bit.
Adding some weight-reducing holes works
great.

The 16" OTA with truss section in place.

And the truss section. Easy assembly, transport,
setup and storage.

More on Eric's 16" Truss Telescope Kit . . .

A Moonlite 2-speed 2" crayford focuser
on a heavy-duty focuser bracket.

The 6-point flotation mirror cell is affixed
to Eric's 16" F4.5 mirror.

The spider is a Destiny "observatory grade"
curved-vane spider. The secondary is just below.

Joe's 16" and a "Mod"...

Joe, from Palos Verdes, California, brought over
his 16.25" with some new optics and
a "modification" needed.

A removable truss section for easy of assembly,
storage and transport. I like it!!

A 16" Kit for Eric . . .

The OTA rings for Eric's 16" truss telescope kit.
Eric lives in Fairview, North Carolina.

Tim and his 14" Telescope

Just in time for the holidays, Tim receives his 14"
telescope. Now for a clear night and first light.

I like the matching floors!!

A Blast from the Past ...

Andy and his 12" with Zambuto optics.

Here's Andy and his 12" telescope we made for him in October, 2017. This is his post on Cloudy Nights on 12/17/18. Here's what Andy, in Sonoma California, has to say:

It might be a little early in your amateur astronomy hobby to be thinking about "lifetime scopes." Many contributors to this forum have been amateur astros for many years and own several telescopes.

A 12" Dob, say F5, is a great size though. Not too big, not too small. I see two 12" dobs in the classified section of Cloudy Nights in the $400 range. Certainly more affordable than a new scope. However, unless you trust the source,  I do not recommend buying a used scope unless you can try it first. I speak from experience. So if you bought used, that would mean buying from someone relatively near your location.

I'm not a fan of Lightbridge scopes for the reasons Starman 1 stated earlier. I love my Dobstuff Dob. It's sturdy but light weight. Out of your price range though, unless you buy used. 

Lots of dark sky sites in Utah! You're lucky. Probably some Astro clubs there too that might be helpful/fun to be with. 

Andy

A Note and Photo from Dave and his 16" Truss...

Hi Dennis,

Dave lives in Peotone, Illinois.

I have now had the scope out 3 times. Though we have had clear skies the seeing has been bad. I can say though that the scope has still given me some awesome views. The scope is magnificent. I have attached a photo of me out with the scope. I hope things are going good for you!

Dave

Oh, i received the board you sent. Thank you again. It is on the scope and now the spotter scope never requires a ladder. You can see the new location in the photo I attached.

14" for Tim Completed. . .

A bit of detail of the DSC stalk and strings.

Note the "strings", Easy Transport Telescope and Sky
Comander digital setting circle with stalk.

The straight-vane spider, focuser and secondary from from
Tim's more traditional and heavier telescope. These components
worked well in the newer lighter format telescope.

Tim sent his mirror cell. And an unusual mount with a
tapered primary mirror and center mount. Nice!!

Tim's 14" -- Close to Completion...

Note the "strings" and DSC stalk
clamps. This telescope will have a
Sky Commander installed.

The balance is perfect. Now to finish the
rocker box bottom, ground board and
install and test the Sky Commander.

Tim's straight-vane spider has been
modified to more easily collimate and
adjust. Note the Telrad and strings.

Tim's Rocker Box Takes Shape...

Tim's rocker box looks good. Perfect fit!!

More on Tim's 14" . . .

Before the Easy Transport is installed
I check for focus, fit, and balance.

Note the Telrad and 8x50 finder.

Completed, except for the ALT bearings,
Tim's 14" looks and works great.

And, the "easy transport" is completed.

Note the "strings".  They work great too.