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How to Build a Telescope Pier

Telescopes offer a way to look at such objects as planets and stars. One of the most important aspects of a telescope is its mount. An unstable mount causes the image to shake, making detailed observation impossible. A stable pier mount eliminates this problem. Pier mounts can be purchased, but the cost is often high. With a few simple tools and construction materials, you can build a pier mount, saving the high cost of purchasing a manufactured one.

Things You'll Need

Measuring tape
¾-inch plywood
Circular saw
6-inch PVC pipe
Hand saw
2 6-inch pipe flanges
PVC cement
Epoxy glue
1½-inch wood screws
Screwdriver
40-pound bag of sand

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the pier̵7;s height. The pier is the structure that raises the telescope off the ground. To determine the correct pier height, raise the telescope to a level that allows easy access to the eyepiece and provides an unobstructed view of objects low on the horizon, then measure the height with a measuring tape.
- 2
  
  Use a circular saw to cut the plywood pieces.
  
  Cut out the base. The pier̵7;s base needs to be large enough to keep the telescope and pier from falling over. For most pier mounts, a 32-inch square base is sufficient. Use a circular saw to cut a 32-inch square from the ¾-inch plywood for the base and a 12-inch square for the pier̵7;s top.
- 3
  Cut the PVC pipe to length. From one end of the PVC pipe, measure the desired height and mark the pipe accordingly. Repeat this process around the circumference of the pipe until there are a series of marks spaced ¾-inch apart from one another. This is the cutting guide. Cut the tube with a hand saw to the desired length, using the marks as a cutting guide.
- 4
  Mount the flanges to the pipe. Apply PVC cement to the inside of the flange and the bottom 1-inch of the pipe's exterior. Place the cemented end of the pipe into the flange. Repeat this process for the top of the pipe. Allow to dry for two hours.
- 5
  
  Use an epoxy glue rated for wood and PVC.
  
  Mount the base. Cover the bottom of one flange with epoxy glue. Center the glued surface onto the plywood base. Use screws to hold the flange in place, tightening the screws with a screwdriver.
- 6
  Fill the pipe with sand. Pour sand into the pipe̵7;s opening until it is level with the top of the pipe.
- 7
  Mount the top of the pier. Apply epoxy glue to the remaining flange̵7;s surface. Center the 12-inch plywood square on the glued surface. Use screws to hold it in place. The telescope can now be mounted onto the pier.

Astronomy