Once
I found the balance point on the tube, I was then able to design an build
the rocker box. The whole assembly was made out of 3/4" dumpster-ply,
with the exception of the bottom of the box. Here I used 1/2" plywood.
This is one of the components I had drawn on Autocad. I allowed a extra
1-2" height on the rocker. This along with the adjustable tube rings
would allow me to use heavy 2" eyepieces without the need for extra
counter balance weight.
I
was wanting something a little more stylish than the standard box, along
with keeping the weight down. I made a paper template of a moon, an cut
this out using a jig saw.
In
my original plan I was going to have the sides with a different angle
of taper but ended up making them symmetrical.
In
the picture to the left the whole assembly is being glued. After the glue
sets for a bit I would then use finishing nails along the seams for added
support.
On the right can be seen the 1st coat of paint. I chose white for the
outside of the box, so it could be seen easily at a star party, an would
use black on the inside to help keep light from reflecting into the bottom
of the tube.
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