Bert's 13.1" F4.5 Telescope -- Completed ...

A Moonlite 2-speed focuser, curved-vane spider, red-dot finder
and Sky Commander system all installed and ready to do!!

Note the DSC "stage" that mounts the Sky Commander is a comfortable
position. It can be slid up and down the strut for convenient use.

Powder coated struts and custom mirror cover finish the look
of this beautiful telescope. The custom is red-chestnut.

a dual fan assembly helps cool the primary during setup and use.

A "Shroud" for Joe's 12" Truss ....

Joe's 12" truss telescope ready for view -- except!!

Adding the shroud is easy with the removable truss section.

Captive bolts and knobs affix the truss section easily.

All ready to go....

A 13.1" Strut . . .

Bert's 13.1" is getting close to completion. Here the rocker box
is under construction and needs the bottom and ground board.
note the "stage" for the Sky Commander DSC.

At this stage of construction I like to check the fit, motions and
balance -- in this instance, they're "right on"!!

Bert's 13.1" Rocker Box ...

The rocker box for this 13.1" is sized just right!!

Bert's 13.1" F4.5 Strut Telescope . . .

The OTA (optical tuber assembly) pretty much completed.

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That's a Moonlite 2-speed focuser and Destiny 3-vane curved-vane spider.

The mirror sits on a 6-point mirror cell designed and optimized with Plop.

Each of my telescopes include a custom fitted mirror cover.

A Note from Patrick in "Philly"....

Hello Dennis,

You probably do not remember me but, in late December 2017 you sold me a partial kit, recut the mount to hold the alt bearings, and later sold me more star nuts (the bane of my telescope building). I kept a journal but have yet to finish composing text and images on my own experiences. Since October 2018 have much enjoyed my sleeker, lighter, and more stylish 12” dob thanks to you! This was important for me to have a lighter and less bulky dob so that I could get it to star gaze and if need be pack it into the car.

I attached some images and will explain more about my dob building in a later email, for example, the reason I kept the UTA. But for now, wanted you to know that you provided me with a great learning experience and improved star gazing. Cannot thank you enough. It holds collimation terrifically, holds position amazingly (even with a monster eyepiece), assembles or breaks down in several minutes.

With best regards,
Patrick
Philadelphia, PA

Pictures taken on the second floor roof of our house in South Philadelphia. Light pollution abounds but this light bucket does an impressive job.

NOTE: I DO remember Patrick and I'm so glad to hear from him.

A little "back" weight works just right!!

Easy Transport option -- easy to transport, setup and store.

A 13" for Bert...

The spider in place and bracket ready to
mount the 2-speed Moonlite focuser.

Two Telescopes Under Construction . . .

A 10" for Jonathan, in Bellevue, Washington (L) and a 13.1" for Bert
in Bellingham,  Washington (R) under construction. Both of these
telescopes are strut configurations with the 10" as an Easy Transport
option -- Nice!!

Joe's 12" Truss -- Complete . . .

A 12" for Joe with a removable truss section. Note
the full upper tube assembly with Moonlite 2-speed
focuser and Telrad. The spider is a 4-vane
curved-vane from Destiny.

A single fan to assist in "cooling" during setup and use.

Joe's 12" Truss -- Gettin' Close . . .

Joe's 12" is close to completion with a full upper tube assembly and
single fan. The focuser is a 2-speed Moonlite.

A Rocker Box for Joe's 12" Truss Telescope...

The rocker box for Joe's 12" telescope is underway. So far, just right.

Joe's 12" Truss -- A Little More ...

Large 24" altitude bearings will make for a well-balanced
and stable telescope.

Joe's 12" Truss and more...

The rocker box sides and alt bearings taking shape for his 12"
truss telescope with full UTA. The alt bears are 20" in diameter.

Rocker Box Sides for Kevin ...

For Kevin's 10" custom rocker box. These sides are made
with furniture grade Baltic birch. Now to varnish and ship!!

And More for Joe's Truss Telescope...A

All assembled, mirror box, UTA and truss-section. 

The truss section on the mirror box.

The mirror box, truss section and UTA ready to assemble.

More on Joe's 12" Telescope . . .

The beautiful Swayze Optical primary is the centerpiece of this telescope.
The focuser is a 2-speed 2" Moonlite crayford and a curved-vane
4-vane spider. 

Each of my telescopes include a custom-made mirror cover.