[Sign Out]     [Terms and Conditions]     

Once you find the PDF, here is why it’s considered an interesting essay rather than just a manual:

  • Contrast to reflectors: Most ATM books focus on mirrors (Newtonians). Remer argues that making a small refractor (3-4 inches) is actually more educational and yields a more durable, sharper planet scope.

    • Overview

    Key goals

    User flows

  • Full Interactive Build

  • Variant Comparison

  • Parts Sourcing & Alternatives

  • Troubleshooting & QA

    • The "12 New" Variant Catalog (examples)

  • Variant 2 — Beginner 70/900 Travel Scope

  • Variant 3 — Intermediate 80/600 Apochromat Lite

  • Variant 4 — Intermediate 90/1000 Classic Achromat

  • Variant 5 — Advanced 100/800 Fast Refractor

  • Variant 6 — Advanced 102/714 APO Imaging Rig

  • Variant 7 — Dobson-style Refractor (compact)

  • Variant 8 — Travel Maksutov-Refractor Hybrid

  • Variant 9 — Educational Classroom Build

  • Variant 10 — Portable Solar Filter Ready Scope

  • Variant 11 — High-Contrast Planetary Visual Rig

  • Variant 12 — Customizable Modular Tube System

    • Example: Step excerpt (Variant 1 — Beginner 60/700 Achromat)

    Search for these directly related works (they often contain Remer’s essay as a chapter or appendix):

    Summary: Go to archive.org and search “Norman Remer making a refractor” without the PDF extension. Look for files with “12” in the description or page count. That is almost certainly the “12 new” version you want.

    Making a Refractor Telescope: The Definitive Guide for Amateurs

    Building a high-quality refractor telescope has long been considered an advanced feat reserved for master opticians. However, Norman Remer’s seminal book, "Making a Refractor Telescope: How to Design, Grind, Polish, Test, Correct and Mount a Doublet Lens," demystifies this complex craft for the amateur enthusiast. The Core Philosophy of Norman Remer

    Remer’s work serves as a "coach" for amateur telescope makers (ATMs), guiding them through the transition from making mirrors (for reflectors) to crafting doublet lenses. He argues that making a lens utilizes the same fundamental tools and practices as mirror making—namely grinding and polishing spherical surfaces.

    A key insight Remer provides is that a lens surface needs to be only one-fourth as accurate as a mirror surface to achieve comparable optical quality, making the process more accessible than many assume. Technical Components and Design

    For those starting out, the book focuses on the achromatic doublet, which consists of two glass elements designed to correct for optical issues like color (chromatic aberration), coma, and spherical aberration.

    Materials: Builders typically work with glass types like BK7 and KZFS1. The process involves using specific abrasives, pitch for polishing, and testing methods to ensure the curves are correct.

    Design Tools: The original book often came with a CD-ROM containing Excel spreadsheet programs. These programs allow users to design a well-corrected lens without needing deep expertise in optical theory.

    Aperture Prescriptions: For builders who prefer not to design from scratch, Remer provides detailed prescriptions for lenses ranging from 3 to 8 inches in aperture. The Construction Process

    Building a refractor involves several meticulous steps that go beyond the glass itself:

    Grinding and Polishing: Shaping the two elements of the doublet lens to exact spherical specifications.

    Testing and Correction: Using optical tests to identify and fix errors in the lens figure.

    The Optical Tube Assembly (OTA): Housing the lenses in a tube, often reinforced with materials like fiberglass for durability, and painting the interior flat black to minimize internal reflections.

    Mounting: Attaching the finished lens into a cell and mounting the entire assembly on a stable base, such as an Altazimuth (AZ) mount for simple left-right and up-down movement. Availability: Finding the Book and Resources

    Norman Remer's book was originally published by Willmann-Bell in 2006. While it has periodically gone out of print, copies can still be found through various channels:

    New and Used Copies: Specialized retailers like Agena Astro and First Light Optics have historically carried it.

    Marketplaces: Used copies are often listed on AbeBooks or Amazon.

    Digital Access: Community forums such as Cloudy Nights are excellent places to find advice from other builders who have used the book and may share resources or design spreadsheets.

    Building a Refractor Telescope: A DIY Guide

    Introduction

    Telescopes have fascinated humans for centuries, allowing us to study the night sky and unravel its secrets. While commercial telescopes are widely available, building your own refractor telescope can be a rewarding and educational experience. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of creating a refractor telescope, inspired by Norman Remer's design.

    Materials Needed

    Design and Construction

    This is an out-of-print, niche amateur document. It will not be on Amazon or commercial ebook sites. Try these specialized archives: