Lee's Hobbies

Astronomy

I’m still a bit of a beginner when it comes to astronomy even though I started back in 1969 with a 50mm refractor bought for £25 from the Nottingham Science Exchange.

The year after, I bought a TASCO 114/900mm Newtonian from the Exchange and Mart magazine for £40. Bought in November 1970 it actually arrived in February 1971.  

My next telescope was bought in 2003 and since then I’ve had a further 5 telescopes.

I started building Barn Door mounts around 2010 and these have funded several telescope purchases.  I don’t sell these anymore but my plans etc are available below.

My current collection is a 300mm Skywatcher Flextube Dobsonian, 127mm Skywatcher MAK* and a 203mm Meade SCT.

In 2024 I started to build a 14″ dobsonian, which saw first light in 2025.

I’ve been a member of ERA  and HERAS since 2018.

I’m mostly a direct observer, occasional low tech astrophotographer and seasonal campaigner on light pollution.

On steps uses large telescope
ERA’s 20″ Dobsonian in action
Well designed street lighting.
Street lighting in Beadnell, Northumbria
Group astronomers meet
ERA members setting up before nightfall
Dobs 14
My 14″ Dob building project
Barn Door mount
Barn Door or Scotch Mount
Light Weight Observers Chair
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As with many other things, I do like to potter about and make things and astronomy is no exception.  During the 2010s I made a number of Barn Door Mounts that I sold through Ebay, generating sufficient funds yo buy some of my more recent scopes.  I don’t offer these anymore but I have made plans, directions and photos available for free.  Just click on the image below to find out more.

 

* The 127 Skywatcher MAK – I’ve owned this same scope twice.  Sold it in part exchange for a Celestron 200 SCT and when a few years later it was for sale I bought it back and swapped the Celestron for a Meade.