TheSkySearchers

While we are getting through the coldest part of the winter I decided to make a proper wooden cabinet to store and carry my Celestron VX6 refractor. I always liked the nice wooden cabinets you used to get when you bought a telescope back in the 60’s and 70’s before the transition to cardboard. The Unitron telescopes come to mind as having a fitting container(s) to match the scope. The older Sears/Jason/Tasco scopes had pretty decent ones too. I got busy and made one that Is almost done and will put out a few pics. Definitely takes some time and a few woodworking skills but I love the results and the beauty of the wood. Just seems fitting when you think how much we spend on these instruments and accessories. As soon as I get this one completely finished I’m going to build another for my Jason 313. Just wondering if any of you ever entertained that thought or if this is just a labor of madness for me, lol. I’ll post some pics to see the progress.

Tried to post some pics but not going through? I’ll get it figured out.

The last pic looks off but my dad took the pic and sent it. The box is actually quite square. Just trying to show the inside. I have to finish that up but a little more time will do the trick. The cabinet weighs in at about 15lbs and is quite solid. I added a positive close latch as well as the the 2 hasps if there is a desire to lock it as well a secondary catch if someone grabbed it with the latch undone it won’t just fly open. More to come as well as some better pics.

Comments, criticisms and suggestions are all welcome!

How about a pic with the scope in it?

Looks like a great project! I can't tell from the pix but are the supports for the scope covered in felt?

Yes, the spports are covered in felt plus I took some clear thinwall vinyl tubing, split it and pressed it in place in the half moon part of the supports that the telescope sits in. This will keep the finish from being damaged as it is soft and has some give. Attached are some pics when I was test fitting the scope to check clearances and overall fit. I will have better pics coming soon with the completely finished interior. Protecting the scope and it’s finish was the #1 priority.

I also engineered enough space in front of the scope to put a small case of eyepieces in and also room for the finder scope. I will be updating this thread and highlight the features, etc, of the finished product. I’m really enjoying building this darn thing.

A nice looking project so far
If your dovetail sits on the bottom of the box I would put a small block in front and behind it to help keep the telescope shifting end to end.

If you look around for corner hardware you can find metal corners with small wheels, handy for loading unloading into a vehicle if you place a pulling handle on the other end.

Nice.

Alpena67 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 27, 2020 3:20 pm A2F3DD04-6776-4DAB-B437-7D568F7B6391.jpeg

I made a box much like that years ago to store my SPC-102 refractor. I still have the box and scope.

Nice box

Me, I'm a wood butcher

Very nice project! Looking forward to updates as you progress.

Thanks for the replies all. Lady Fraktor, I didn’t think about the wheels; that is a great suggestion. John, I am building it to go the distance and confident it will as yours has. I have the space in front of the telescope such that the eyepiece box fits snugly and prevents fore and aft movement. There is a soft foam pad on the eyepiece side and styrofoam insert on the objective side. The eyepiece container sits between the styrofoam and case end. On the inside bottom of the box I have installed 2 stainless steel eyelets with an adjustable nylon strap that holds the telescope snugly so it won’t move off the supports. It only needs a gentle snug and will hold firm with no damage. More to come.

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.

Alpena67 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 27, 2020 3:27 pm Comments, criticisms and suggestions are all welcome!

A pity to limit your considerable skills to telescope boxes. Have you considered... coffin making? I bet a box for a big Dob would be similarly suitable for some individuals.

Ha, ha Antenna guy; I’ll probably stick to telescope box making for now, lol. I just picked up the wood and a few other parts for the box I’m going to make for my Jason 313. If I have time tomorrow I’m going to cut the pieces for this box. I’ll make a separate thread on that one.

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!

Regards

Graeme