The book is structured as a complete, linear process. Here is a detailed breakdown of the journey it describes.
The refractor, which uses a large glass lens (the objective ) at the front of the tube, has often been viewed as the "holy grail" of DIY astronomy. There is a general perception that making a lens is an almost insurmountable task, a belief reinforced by the lack of accessible, comprehensive literature on the subject.
It sounds like you are looking for a specific document: by Norman Remer , likely a PDF, and you’ve added the phrases “12 new” and “interesting essay.” making a refractor telescope norman remer pdf 12 new
Remer’s work is not merely a collection of tips; it is a complete, 408-page masterclass. The author adopts the role of a coach, guiding the reader step-by-step through every single aspect of the project, from the fundamental characteristics of optical glass to the final, satisfying moment of mounting the finished lens.
The manual meticulously details how to walk through the abrasive grits, starting from aggressive silicon carbide to ultra-fine aluminum oxides. Remer focuses heavily on the mechanics of the stroke, ensuring that the worker achieves the precise radius of curvature ( R4cap R sub 4 ) required by the optical formula. 3. Polishing and Figuring The book is structured as a complete, linear process
: Experienced builders advise caution when working with softer glass types like SF1 mentioned in the book, as they can be as difficult to polish as "a sheet of rubber". Where to Find It
Making a Refractor Telescope is considered the definitive modern guide for amateurs who want to grind, polish, and figure their own lens (objective) rather than buying one. There is a general perception that making a
: Obtain thick, strain-free optical glass disks cut to your desired aperture (typically 4 to 6 inches for beginners).
Quick Start (3 questions)
You will need a pair of glass blanks (typically BK7 Crown glass and F2 Flint glass). You will also need a series of abrasives, ranging from coarse Silicon Carbide (for rough shaping) to fine Aluminum Oxide (for smoothing), and finally Cerium Oxide for polishing. Phase 2: Rough and Fine Grinding