This book tells how you can build a state-of-the-art Dobsonian telescope using readily available materials and supplies. Every step of construction is detailedin photographs and diagrams, and the underlying ideas are carefully explained. As a result of this three-year collaboration between authors David Kriege and Richard Berry, experienced and well-known telescope makers, you now have the opportunity to build a high-performance telescope from 14 inches to 40 inches aperture based on the thoroughly tested designs described in this book. The Dobsonian telescope takes its name from the astronomer/philosopher John Dobson, who introduced the concept of inexpensive, large-aperture telescopes to astronomy. Amateur astronomers at the time were so amazed that a telescope builtfrom simple, inexpensive materials performed so well that they could hardly believe their eyes. As home-built Dobsonians started showing up at star parties across the nation and people saw what Dobsonians could do, the word spread. In just a few years, the Dobsonian revolution swept the world. Since those early telescopes, Dobsonians have improved dramatically. An entire generation of amateur telescope makers contributed their best insights and refinements to Dobson's original design. Today's Dobsonians are larger, lighter,and more precise than ever before. For example, it is possible to build a telescope of 20 inches aperture that is compact enough to transp
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
38 of 38 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Not only did I read the book but I used just about every bit of information to build my own 18" truss type dobsonian telescope. This book was the only guide I used. I found that all the information that is needed was contained within the text, tables and photographs to successfully construct my scope. I challenged myself to find other ways to engineer the truss assembly and found that the design that is laid out in the text could not be improved upon much. The trade-offs included ease of construction, cost, and availability of materials. To put it plainly, some serious engineering went into the methods shown in the book. A must buy!
28 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Excellent book and a joy to read! I am currently grinding a 8" mirror and bought this book for the 8" plans which are surprisingly compact. Kriege goes into detail on how to build a truss tube Dobsonian for larger apertures and leaves the reader with no questions due to the great explanations and pictures. Other strong points include very informative and up to date discussions on materials used to build today's modern Dobsonian telescope. My only argument is the author discourages grinding your own mirror which has been a great experience for myself and I am glad I did not listen to other astronomers who have the same view as Kriege. The selling point of Kriege's "Dobsonian Telescope" for myself include the plans for a small telescope (8") plus plans for larger scopes that will fill my aperture fever needs later. Both criteria have been met and I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in building any size Dobsonian telescope.
24 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Any astronomer with even the remotest interest in Dobsonian telescopes MUST buy this book.
It doesn't matter if you want to build one, use one, or buy one pre-built. David Kriege and Richard Berry do an absolutely tremendous job of taking the reader through all the construction steps of a large-aperature Dobsonian telescope, of describing how to use it, how it will impact your life and your family and what's the best size for you.
"The Dobsonian Telescope" is extraordinarily well-illustrated, contains a wealth of technical data that generations of astronomers found the "hard way," yet is very easy to understand and apply.
Kriege and Barry also realize that not everyone can afford or has the space for the monster scope of their dreams, so there's even a good chapter on building a much more modest scope from off-the-shelf items. Best of all, all the "big scope" information is still useful for the smaller one (8") and just a plain, good, read.
Finally, the book is fun. Both authors have a dry wit that livens up what otherwise could have been a rather boring, technical monologue.
For anyone who's ever craved an owner's manual that tells them what they really want to know about their purchase, "The Dobsonian Telescope" is a "best buy." Even better, you don't have to buy the telescope to enjoy the book.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Great book
One way you can tell if a "how-to" book is good is if you keep going back to it and eventually realize that you really need to read and understand everything they are talking about... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Scott Millhouse
A Must for Every Dobsonian Owner - or New Astronomer
After I read this book I built a 10"f6 telescope that was a joy to use. It performed wonderfully. I saw galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, the Moon and planets like I had never seen... Read more
Published 13 months ago by Morgan Davies
The Title Says it All
A very easily understood, "nuts and bolts" book for someone with a hankering to go BIG with their star gazing equipment, and want the satisfaction of DIY. Read more
Published 20 months ago by az-gold
The Dobsonian Telescope - A Practical Manual for building
Book received in excelent condition.
Have read most of it once and now going throught the nuts & bolts of it
Have read most of it once and now going throught the nuts & bolts of it
Published on August 28, 2009 by Larry L. Gauerke
Great book, you won't be able to put it down!
No joke, this book is great. You'd think 475 pages of instructions on building something would be a bore, but this book is different. Read more
Published on February 10, 2009 by Charles Hall
Must have book if you like Dobs
Great book if you plan on build your own or just thinking about it. It covers all the materials in great detail and makes it easy to understand.
Published on December 17, 2008 by D. Sietsema
Essential For Making A Truss Tube Dobsonian
Even though I ended up making a solid tube, I bought this from Mr. Kreige with the expectation that I would end up with a truss setup for my 16". Read more
Published on August 4, 2008 by Fred Rayworth
The Dobsonian Telescope
This book is the BIBLE for understanding and building your telescope. An absolute must read.
Published on April 20, 2008 by G. Karl
Excellent, comprehensive, well-written book!
I am a beginning amateur astronomer, and this book has helped me immensely in understanding how telescopes work and what goes into building a quality telescope. Read more
Published on April 3, 2008 by Karen A. Wells
Order it now, you won't be sorry!
One of the hardest things a beginner faces when jumping into amateur astronomy is "Where do I start?". That question has been answered in great depth by this book. Read more
Published on December 6, 2006 by R. McGee
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