Before you try modding your scope, be sure to learn to use it as it is. 

Collimation may be needed regularly depending on how you store and transport your scope.

Make sure your focuser works smoothly and doesn’t slip.  If it does then tightening some screws may be a solution, but check out the details online first.

Consider the types and quality of your eyepieces, but don’t go overboard spending large sums on new EPs until you are ready, and know what you are doing.  Try borrowing other more expensive EPs from Club members to see if the expense of buying your own is worth it.

My top four modifications for a dobsonian scope are: Bearings, levelling table, setting circle, inclinometer.

Bearings

Make sure the altitude and azimuth bearings are smooth and easy to operate.  Cleaning and silicon waxing the altitude bearing may be all that is needed.  Each of my Dobsonians has had a lazy susan bearing fitted to replace the original teflon azimuth friction bearing.

See image below.

Inclinometer

• Put the telescope base on a level surface.
• Align the inclinometer with the telescope – easiest to do if your optical tube is a simple steel cylinder and the inclinometer has a magnetic base.
• Use some form of “adjuster mechanism”  for those tiny last minute tweaks.

Levelling Table

All my Dobs have had levelling tables.  I even built one for our Club’s big 20″ scope.

Setting Circle

Some dobs come with a fixed factory fitted azimuth setting circle, some have an adjustable one fitted later.  Whichever type you have it is VITAL that the scale or pointer can be adjusted  to align the scale with the alignment star.  

Adjustable pointers may be attached to the scope base by velcro, magnets or just plain inertia if they are heavy enough.

Supporting Documents.

My original Dobs-Mods document.

The follow-up document with additional details and ideas.