Ad Astra Observatory

I know that there is going to be a moment in the not-too-distant future where my pile of Dob base parts will suddenly take shape. I feel like I’m almost there, but there is definitely some work left to be done.

OK, part by part breakdown:
Altitude bearings:
– bearing surfaces need to be sanded flat
– Edging material needs to be attached
– Mounting holes need to be drilled
– spacers between bearing and DA need to be figured out (and do I have enough width on the base to support spacers?) I decided that it’s OK to have one pole clamp that requires a screwdriver in Dob mode. That should make the spacers work on both sides of the OTA so that the DAs will each have space between them and the bearing. I still need to check it against the actual rocker box, but I am confident that I did the math (and the cuts) right. I measured the OTA against the rocker box, and I need 2-1/2″ of spacer on one side, and 1″ of spacer on the other. I think that I can get these widths by ripping a 2×4. If so, then I can cut 2 lengths of 2×4 (>2.5″ long), rip them, and attach to DAs using 1-1/4″ (or 2-1/2″, as appropriate) screws. Then I can attach the bearings using more 1-1/4″ screws (ditto on the longer ones).
– I may need to make cutouts in the bearings for the poles to go past (can I make them strong enough with the cutouts taken out?) I don’t think I’ll need a cutout with a 1″ spacer, but I still have to figure that part out.

Rocker sides:
– slider things need to be installed (must be done after the bearings are mounted)
– mounting holes need to be drilled in lower edge

Rocker bottom: DONE 2/25 5pm
– mounting holes need to be drilled in side edges
– slider stuff needs to be trimmed to length

Ground Board:
– still needs to be cut and drilled (but I have a working CNC pattern for it)
– sliders need to be installed
– feet need to be designed and attached – I have enough hardwood 1×2 (really 3/4″ x 1-1/2″) to make 3 (1-1/2″ square) feet for the ground board. I also have enough furniture sliders to make covers for the wooden feet.
– pivot bolt needs to be installed and checked for balance, etc.

Front and back end boards:
– need to be sized (I think these need to be 25.5″ long) and cut out of remaining plywood
– how tall does the front one need to be?

I don’t know if the balance point is calculated to any accuracy at the moment; I need to check it. There will be sort of a minimum height required, or else the mirror box will scrape the rocker.

OK, work the todo list, and I’m almost there. A few focused hours when the kids are awake and I can do most of the “noisy” stuff.