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Re: Wanting to build a Telescope
It is not difficult, but precision and patience are absolutely necessary. As is great stiffness - of the barrel and box, not the builder! Go slowly on the tasks that need precision, and do it as accurately and precise as possible.
Don't be afraid to buy a book or three, especially for an explanation of the critical parts of mirror mounting and alignment. Online may be helpful, but beware, some of the advice is less than stellar.
Last, don't be afraid to improvise. Concrete tube forms make good barrels. Paint takes longer to dry than you think. Any adjustment that can move, will. And lugging around a 60+ pound telescope is stressful, on the user and the 'scope - think about how to manage that. (A hand truck might prove useful).
It was several decades since I built my little one, based around a free 8" mirror that I got, it never really worked just right because of stability and stiffness issues, but I was still happy with it. Currently have a commercial 5-1/4" reflector, just perfect for wathcing the moon.
Don
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