Ultralight conversion for Dobsonian

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Surya Rao

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Nov 3, 2023, 12:39:09 AM11/3/23
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Hi guys,

Do you know of anyone in the vicinity of SF Bay area who will modify/convert my 14.5 inch Teleport Dobsonian to a light weight mount? 

Thanks,
Surya 

Vishal Kasliwal

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Nov 3, 2023, 12:56:44 AM11/3/23
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Our very own Mark Wagner might just be the best guy for the job -
check out his website at https://www.astrogoods.com/
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John Pierce

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Nov 3, 2023, 1:00:24 AM11/3/23
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On Thu, Nov 2, 2023 at 9:39 PM Surya Rao <surya...@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi guys,

Do you know of anyone in the vicinity of SF Bay area who will modify/convert my 14.5 inch Teleport Dobsonian to a light weight mount? 


a 14.5 teleport is probably as COMPACT as a 14.5" newt can get.  But, yeah....  68 lbs per the Teleport website.   how heavy is just the primary mirror? 

John Pierce

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Nov 3, 2023, 1:04:09 AM11/3/23
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On Thu, Nov 2, 2023 at 9:56 PM Vishal Kasliwal <vishal....@gmail.com> wrote:
Our very own Mark Wagner might just be the best guy for the job -
check out his website at https://www.astrogoods.com/


I've heard that "Baltic Birch" plywood has become expensive and hard to find, because most of it is from northwest Russia, and that's the preferred building material of the various spins on Albert Highe ultralight scopes.   dobstuff.com has had to cut back to 'i have 'some' material, call and lets talk'

Surya Rao

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Nov 3, 2023, 1:46:31 AM11/3/23
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Thanks for pointers Vishal.

John, it is indeed 68 lb, which sometimes feels a bit heavy.

Thanks,
Surya

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John Pierce

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Nov 3, 2023, 1:58:15 AM11/3/23
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On Thu, Nov 2, 2023 at 10:46 PM Surya Rao <surya...@gmail.com> wrote:
Thanks for pointers Vishal.

John, it is indeed 68 lb, which sometimes feels a bit heavy.


wheels on detachable arms, wheelbarrow style, and ramps, and you can load that into a tall truck fairly easily.

Andrew Pierce

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Nov 3, 2023, 5:15:59 AM11/3/23
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I cant imagine it being lighter. I have had mine since 2001

Andrew Pierce


On Nov 3, 2023, at 5:00 AM, John Pierce <jhn.p...@gmail.com> wrote:


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Surya Rao

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Nov 3, 2023, 1:58:44 PM11/3/23
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Andrew, 

I am mainly looking to get rid of the 4 telescoping posts and replace them with removable posts - similar to truss dobs.
That will help carrying it easier and setting up the telescope quickly in the field.

Thanks,
Surya

Jeff Gortatowsky

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Nov 3, 2023, 3:25:28 PM11/3/23
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I had a 14.5... but it had issues with pole flexure. Mark might be able to help


Ted Hauter

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Nov 3, 2023, 4:36:51 PM11/3/23
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Mark Wow!! Congrats on those.

Home depot plywood. Seen a guy walk past a sheet three times. He couldn't do it.
$$$

On Fri, Nov 3, 2023, 12:25 PM Jeff Gortatowsky <jeff.gor...@gmail.com> wrote:
I had a 14.5... but it had issues with pole flexure. Mark might be able to help


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