Many amateur astronomers make their own instruments, either because of financial considerations or because they are just interested. Amateur Telescope Making offers a variety of designs for telescopes, mounts and drives which are suitable for the home-constructor. The designs range from simple to advanced, but all are within the range of a moderately well-equipped home workshop. Thus each chapter begins with reasons for undertaking the project, then looks at theoretical consideration before finishing with practical instructions and advice. An indication is given as to the skills required for the various projects. Appendices list reputable sources of (mail order) materials and components. The telescopes and mounts range from “shoestring” (very cheap) instruments to specialist devices that are unavailable commercially.

5 Responses to “Amateur Telescope Making (Patrick Moore’s Practical Astronomy Series)”

1. Richard Runser says:

   April 15, 2008 at 12:00 am

   The book is not a clear, step by step book. It could stand major revisions.
2. C. CHARALAMPIDIS says:

   January 11, 2007 at 12:00 am

   As with other books I have read about telescope making, the writer chooses to focus on mirror grinding principles and on his own projects. The lack of basic formulas to constructing telescopes is very disapointing. Nevertheless it is a very good book to read for those who already have the basic skills and are probably moving to their second or third project. So as I claim in the title… I believe this book is for “semi – amateur” telescope builders!
   
3. Anonymous says:

   July 19, 2003 at 12:00 am

   This is an edited book with different authors contributing an article each. Thus these is no coherency. It seems that the editor had asked each contributing author to just give an article about his or her telescope making experience. Thus all the chapters are separate entities without any cross-references (between chapters). Finally they do not go in any detail what so ever. It is more like a “1001 Project Book” which claims that (after reading the book) you can do every thing from repairing cars, TVs, VCR, DVDs to building an airplane, except that the book only devote half a page to all the 1001 projects. You just cannot make a telescope by reading this book (unless you already know how to make one).

   BTW: you can find more information on the web than what this book delivers. I am just glad that I borrowed it from the library, and did not buy it.
4. MotherLodeBeth says:

   June 16, 2002 at 12:00 am

   We are an amateur astronomy loving family who got into making our own telescopes after getting involved in the Friday night telescope classes and lectures at the Chabot observatory in Oakland California back in the early 80′s.

   And being homeschoolers we were also big science fans and have always encouraged people to become as hands on science minded as possible. This books is a perfect example of hands on science at its best as well as a book that should put to rest the idea that only rich people own telescopes or that only people with science degrees use telescope.

   The book is shy 300 pages and covers everything from Shoestring telescopes you can make, using items you have around the house as well as items you can find for free at carpet stores. Specialized telescopes is about building a high contrast planetary setup, as well as Rright camera. There is an excellent section on mounts. I would hope every library would own a copy of the book and believe that every homeschooling family should as well.
5. Anonymous says:

   May 9, 2001 at 12:00 am

   Unlike conventional ATM books, this one does not cover basic work. Either use available optics for the simple stuff, or you will have to make stuff for the more advanced projects.

   There are some excellent designs for DIY mounts and drives.