Making A Refractor Telescope Norman Remer Pdf 12 New Jun 2026

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.

Making a Refractor Telescope: How to Design, Grind, Polish, Test, Correct and Mount a Doublet Lens

Most amateur astronomers build reflecting telescopes because finishing a single parabolic glass surface feels achievable. However, reflecting systems suffer from a central obstruction—the secondary mirror—which scatters incoming light and degrades image contrast.

The community has also tackled practical tube mechanics. In forum discussions, Remer's book has been cited as the go-to reference for designing internal baffles—the strategically placed rings inside the tube that block stray light to maximize contrast. Builders have discussed everything from the geometry of the light cone to using flat black paint on a broom handle to coat the inside of a long tube. making a refractor telescope norman remer pdf 12 new

Are you planning to build a of refractor (like a 4-inch or 6-inch doublet), orTell me about your project and I can provide targeted technical steps! Share public link

Page 1-2: Introduction to Refractor Telescopes

: Flat or shallow concave back surface of the Flint lens. 3. Polishing and Testing Making a Refractor Telescope is considered the definitive

by Norman Remer is the definitive, hands-on masterwork for amateur astronomers seeking to design, grind, polish, and mount their own high-performance doublet lens system. While building a reflecting telescope using a parabolic mirror is common, crafting an unobstructed refractor has historically been viewed as a nearly impossible challenge for hobbyists. Norman Remer's landmark book dismantles this myth, proving that the exact same basic tools and fundamental practices used for mirror-making apply to crafting precision lenses.

This is where the magic happens. Using a classic or a Ronchi screen , the builder projects light through the elements to analyze the wave-front. Any zones, high spots, or irregularities are gently polished away ("figured") until the surface profile matches a perfect sphere. Mastering the Mechanics: Cells and Baffles

Norman Remer's design is a classic example of a simple refractor telescope. His design features: The community has also tackled practical tube mechanics

I can provide specific formulas, grinding strokes, or testing configurations based on your goals. Share public link

His book, Making a Refractor Telescope: How to Design, Grind, Polish, Test, Correct and Mount a Doublet Lens , is a 408-page hardbound manual that leaves no stone unturned. Key features include:

: Modified for refraction setups.