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How to Mount a Laser to a Telescope

Backyard astronomy is quickly becoming a practiced hobby. Although telescope manufacturers are maximizing on this pickup in sales, they often do not include one of the most important features to a telescope: the "finder" scope. This laser helps you to find objects in the sky quickly and easily. Whether your telescope does not include a finder scope, or you purchased your own specialty laser, this homemade mount will get you on your way in a matter of hours. As long as you have some tools and $3 in supplies, you can build your own mount.

Things You'll Need

6-inch PVC extender
Film canister
Nylon thumb screws
Dremel drill
Glue

Instructions

- 1
  Drill a series of holes into your PVC pipe using your Dremel. Drill three holes in a triangle fashion near the middle, and another triangle of holes at the end of the pipe. These holes will hold your laser inside of the pipe.
- 2
  Place the nylon thumb screws into the six holes you drilled. Tighten them loosely, since you still do not have your laser in the PVC.
- 3
  If your laser has an on/off switch, drill another hole for that button. Place another thumb screw in the hole. Just tighten the thumb screw to keep the laser on.
- 4
  Slide the film canister into the flared end of the PVC pipe extender. The laser will shine through this film canister, making it more accurate.
- 5
  Drill a hole into the film canister the size of a nickel. Apply glue to the film canister and slide it back onto the PVC pipe.
- 6
  Slide in your laser into the PVC pipe. Tighten the nylon thumb screws until the laser is shining out of the film canister. Place it on your telescope, and enjoy easy star-spotting.

Astronomy