When I built this mount in 2005, I allowed several astronomy Web sites to post a PDF article I wrote describing the design and construction. Since then, I get occasional inquiries about the design and construction. Now that I have a blog, I am publishing the design here with additional comments based on several years of use.

Here is what the finished product looks like:

Read the original article for complete construction details. Here are the designs and a few construction photos from the article:

(OTA = Optical Tube Assembly)

Main Pivot Assembly

I used 3/4″ HDO (high density overlay) for the structural components. Bearing surfaces are laminated with Formica and the bearings are teflon chair glides – all standard lumber yard items.

The mount has held up very well and is very easy to set up and use. Initial pointing is very easy with a Dobsonian mount – you basically just aim it like a big gun while looking through the spotting scope. It is much more intuitive than an equatorial mount. The mount does not change the telescope and you can always go back to the original mount if you desire. I’ve had mine sitting around for 3 years – I think it is time to sell it on eBay!

(I just did a quick Google and rediscovered one of the sites that published the original article here.)