Telescope Wooden Cabinet

[Alpena67]

Thanks for the compliment Graeme. It did come out pretty good. I’m highly critical of my own work and feel there are a few areas I could have improved on. I am looking to up my game a bit on the next one. That being said i have really enjoyed building this. All I have left on this is to add the edge moldings. I will get a pic with the telescope and accessories inside with the fully completed box. Updates still to come. Thanks again to all that are following and/or have commented!

[JimMinCT]

Nice job!
I went the felt lined way myself, for the C6-R. The guy I sold it to was blown away with the cases I'd made for the scope, mount and tripod.
Luan 5mm plywood does a great job if you use 90° corner moulding to brace it.

[Alpena67]

Wow; nice work Jim. One thing I noted with mine was weight. It’s about 15-16lbs empty; sturdy but I feel borderline on weight. I wasn’t sure how thin I could go so I used 1/2” Oak plywood. If it could be lightened a few pounds that would be a bit better for overall handling. I’m also thinking about felt lining the inside also.

[Alpena67]

Ok; final update on this one; it is done for the time being. Here are some pics with the telescope in it as well as a small plastic box containing the finder scope bracket and a few eyepieces. Finally starting to thaw out around here; looking forward to some clear nights. I am going to start on my other box soon for my Jason 313 but will put a separate thread on that one. Thanks to all for the Suggestions and comments.

[Alpena67]

[Alpena67]

[pakarinen]

That is a quality build and it puts to shame the one in my head for my guide scope made from corrugated cardboard and duct tape!

One can do a lot with cardboard and duct tape IMO, as long as there's sufficient padding to absorb shocks.

[GCoyote]

Update: added the hinges and put a coat of poly inside. I’m going to cut the edge moldings tomorrow and hopefully get those finished and installed. 0C60E569-6FCB-4BE1-A748-2E2C6E8BC6A4.jpegA1C9CE23-7583-4F19-8263-DD681FAB3879.jpeg16AE0ACB-3B41-4139-98BC-DE59175AC8EE.jpeg

I really like what you've done here. If you repeat this project for another scope do you have any ideas for reducing the weight?

[Thefatkitty]

That is really well done! I have an old '61 Tasco 60mm that came in the wooden box, along with the straw/rice paper packing, and the green felt on the wood where it was clamped down.
Very nice retro build; you should be proud of that!

All the best,

[Alpena67]

I’m just getting back on after a short hiatus. Gcoyote this box weighs around 20lbs. With the refractor and eyepieces it is about 40lbs. I can carry it with one hand but it is a little cumbersome. An earlier suggestion to add some small wheels to one end would def help. Also handles on either end would make it easier to grab and load. Thanks fatkitty; I am in process of making a box for my Jason 313 refractor. That one is coming along nicely so far. I’ll put a separate post on it soon.