: I am building a telescope to house my : 10inch mirror and associated optics. I : am thinking about a wood tube using and : eight or twelve sided configuration.

: Questions:

: How does wood behave when temperatures change?

: Are there any pitfalls to using a wood tube?

: Any success stories about wood telescopes?

: Thanks, : John

I built a refracter out of furniture grade maple. It's eight sided. It has a 5 inch objective lens, and an eyepiece from a pair of binoculars (2 prisms). Wood "breaths" so it will shrink and expand with changes in humidity. Make sure you use dry wood 6% moisture or so. and leave a little play (1/32 or so,It depends on your wood) so it can expand and contract. and always bring it inside when done. Mine performs well and is 25x. It works really well. Mine is almost a work of art. Just as good to look at as to use. At eight side each miter has to be 221/2 degrees. twelve sides has 24 cuts sp divide 360 by 24 and that will be your angle. Any further questions E me. Mike Fregoe

• Re: Re: Wood Telescope Tubes - roundsound - November 18, 2000 - 22:46 UTC