A Couple of Lightbridge Rockers . . .

Custom rocker boxes for a Lightbridge 12" telescope. One is a kit.

The kit and completed version of the Lightbridge rocker
box start out the same. The kit is almost completed.

Another Blast from the Past -- Marshall and his 12" Telescope . . .

"Hi Dennis: This is a follow up from last fall....temps finally got warm enough here in Ohio for me to refinish the wood on my scope I used the Helmsmen Poly oil base and the wood looks amazing!!! It's nearly 10 years old now and looks brand new!! Here are some pics of my freshly refinished scope....I was procrastinating for a few weeks ...I didn't want to botch the finish..but it came out beautifully!! I used the Helmsman Minwax oil base gloss. Three coats. I coated it in the garage with the door open for ventilation and used the dehumidifier to help with cure time. Looks awesome for a 10 year old scope!!

Thanks,

Marshall"

Tom's 10" Rocker Box Completed . . .

Custom rocker box, with Ebony custom color
for Tom in Indianapolis, Indiana.

10K encoders installed for Tom digital setting of choice.

I like to call attention to the unique tube-rings.

Neat!!

More on Tom's Rocker Box . . .

Almost completed is Tom's 10" solid-
tube telescope rocker box. Note the
beautiful "Ebony" custom color.

I especially like the cool tube-rings for
Tom's telescope.

A 10" Rocker Box . . .

In the early stages, and getting underway is a
rocker box and altitude bearings for Tom's 10"
telescope. Note the unique tube rings.

Tom lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.

A Note From Kevin in St. Louis, Missouri . . .

Hello Dennis,

I'm FINALLY getting a photo to you of my scope with the box you made for me! After months of logistics, work, and weather, I was finally able to take it out for Jupiter's opposition last night. 

It works great. You've allowed me to use this telescope for the first time in almost 10 years! 
Thank you!

Kevin

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)