Telescope Making Class
The telescope making class continued over the festive season and, despite the usual attrition due to holidays and other committments of the period, attendance was good. Although we are unfortunately still waiting for glass for a few people who joined late, several people have commenced the polishing phase. So, although overall progress is perhaps a bit disappointing, progress is nonetheless being made. As long as the participants continue to "keep on keeping on", I have every confidence that several fine instruments will result from this class.
There is a reasonably strong possibility that I shall be out of the country for an extended period on business a bit later in the year (exact dates still unknown). This should not affect the class too badly as there are now many people in the society with experience in telescope building, who can be consulted in the event that anyone in the class hits a snag. I am confident that the class will continue to act as a "support group", with everyone in it encouraging and helping one another, as has been the case in the past.
I would like it if all those in the society who have "built" a telescope (be it from scratch or from purchased components) or who have modified or refurbished an instrument could stop in at the class sometime. I would like you to show off your handiwork, either by bringing the instrument or (if that is too difficult) at least bringing some photographs; it will help to provide encouragement and inspiration.
Although this class is now closed to new beginners, anyone with an interest in this fascinating aspect of our hobby is as usual invited to drop in to talk and see what's going on. Those who have started building an instrument sometime in the past and let the project lapse, are similarly urged to resurrect it and join us.
See you at Parktown Boy's High School technology centre (corner Empire & Jan Smuts, Parktown, entrance on Wellington Rd.) on Saturday afternoons from 2:30pm.
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Telescopes for sale
8-inch Celestron Classic with 2 eyepieces, 9mm and 25mm, and a Barlow lens. On a tripod and wedge, in good condition. With motor drive. R4,500-00. Tel Bill Lockhardt on (011) 896-2395. Bill is also looking for a Meade LX50.
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Tanzutsu Short Tube Catadioptric RET 50. 4.5” Reflector, focal length 910mm, with 40mm Kellner eyepiece, 12.5mm Orthoscopic eyepiece, plus 2 x Barlow, Porro-prism 0.965” diameter, Moon filter, Adapter & Extension piece, and owners manual. The price is R1800. Reasonable offers will be considered. Tel H.R. Mees on (011) 793-5592 any time.