Beginner's Corner
December, 1938

BETTER THAN TO attempt to work out a perfect design for the beginner's first telescope is the alternative method of building something quite plain and simple, using it for a few weeks and then, in the light ot that experience, working out something more permanent for the same optical parts. The tyro may rest assured that the two telescopes will differ considerably. Ideas that work well on paper will give way to ideas that work well in practice.

The simple mounting shown at the left above was made of wood, an easy material to work, by L. R. Pinson, 1746 S. Mansfield St., Los Angeles, Calif. The mirror is 6-1/2" in diameter and, with the eyepiece seen protruding at the right, the telescope magnifies 60 diameters.

The mounting of the other telescope shown is an improvisation from an old lawnmower, some blocks of wood and standard pipe fittings Not so simple as the other, it still is simple. The main axis is placed parallel with the axis of the earth, making of the telescope an equatorial type, as explained in the handbook of the hobby, "Amateur Telescope Making." A handscrew on the jackshaft at bottom permits a star to be slowly followed as the earth turns. The internal gear of the mower wheel was made use of for this purpose. The maker is the Rev. Harold F. Palmer, of the Immaculate Conception Church, Goliad, Texas. Father Palmer writes:

"About four months ago I accidentally picked up a copy of Scientific American and read your department, 'Telescoptics'. It was a revelation to me. Always interested in astronomy, I long ago gave up hope of ever having a telescope of my own. I bought a 6" kit of materials and after some three weeks (about 50 hours actual labor), I constructed this telescope. But the picture shows only the outside. Inside are to be seen the rings of Saturn, and many others among the beautiful sights in the sky.

"I cannot say that I experienced any special difficulty in grinding and polishing the mirror. It gives what to me seems excellent definition. But I shall not rest satisfied until I have constructed a 12", with accurate slow motion and setting circles."