A Blast from the Past . . .

A 12.5" F8 made in the 50's as seen on Cloudy Nights recently. It
reminded me of my own early telescope making efforts.

That's me in the early 80's with a 12.5" full-thickness pyrex mirror with
an F8 focal length. The OTA was welded electrical conduit made with
the help of a high school metal shop teacher. The mounting was made
from 4", 3" and 2.5" pipe fittings with babbit bearings.

(ala Making Your Own Telescope by Thompson)