I’m wanting to build a 10" Dobsonian telescope with an f/6 lens. Has anyone here made a telescope before and could offer me some hints/tips? I’m not planning to grind my own mirror since this is my first telescope, so I’ll buy the mirror from somewhere else.
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
Hah, funny that you mention concrete tubes. That’s exactly what I was planning to use. Also, patience isn’t really a problem. The sky will always be there. And if it isn’t one night…well…I’ll have bigger problems on my hands. Oh yes, and the lugging it around; not a problem. I’ve been working out 
Can you recommend any books? I’m mostly concerned on mounting the primary mirror and how that can be done.
Michael,
When I was thinking about building a scope I turned to Edmund Scientific…http://scientificsonline.com/Default.asp?bhcd2=1222947924
I don’t know if they still cater to that market but I know they had tons of info and everything from mirrors to blanks, tubes and eyepieces. The best yet, they had an outlet here in Chicago that I could get to by bike. That was long ago and far away. Good Luck.
I haven’t thought about it for years, so i don’t know aby modern books on the topic, and I cannot remember the book I used back then.
Google something like ‘build your own dobsonian telescope’ I am sure you’ll get thousands of hits, some with book recommendations. Read through the online stuff, but take it all with a grain of salt. Seek a local astronomy club, someone there will be very happy to offer their advice.
Edit: I remember using some plywood glued up into a heavy plate, and making rings to hold the mirror. It was very solid, stable and…heavy. One issue was fastening that to the tube, the screws ended up loosening up, and after a few times of this, i gave up since realigning was such a bear.
Don.