[AMA!](
https://www.reddit.com/r/space/comments/fsfdvj/im_17_and_i_build_and_refurbish_my_own_telescopes/?)
[Patreon is up!](
https://www.patreon.com/zdlanders)
[Build thread on Cloudy Nights](
https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/678347-147-f3-dobrft/) - I didn't make the mirror, but built/designed the structure myself.
[How to make your own telescope and mirror](
https://stellafane.org/tm/index.html) - Very easy plans, you can build your own scope for a few hundred bucks and with basic tools. Mirror is a little harder but I've made a 6" with little difficulty - while it is time-consuming it's a perfect project to work on at home!
[Telescopes I recommend to beginners for as little as $100](
https://www.reddit.com/r/telescopes/comments/dh496j/new_sticky_draft_voice_your_opinions_in_the/)
[Read over 75 of my unbiased reviews of telescopes, with some reviews sprinkled in by a few other folks here and there](
https://telescopicwatch.com/)
[My Instagram page](
https://www.instagram.com/zdlanders/) - please do check it out!
[My YouTube](
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFMGSpnAnLlPoWeZ9Rf90BA/videos?view_as=subscriber) - will be doing a tutorial video soon based on the Stellafane plans!
[Podcast I was on a while back](
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook/the-observers-notebook-telescope-making-with-zane-landers)
Also if you're interested in building a scope check out /r/atming, have posted some good resources there too
I really want to stress that anybody, and I mean *anybody*, can do this! Telescope making and astronomy are no harder than building a PC and look how many folks do that!
Okay, some more edits since this is pretty visible:
* HIGHLY recommend joining your local astronomy club. Even if you can't physically visit right now there are still tons of great resources you can access and folks you can meet! Plus a lot of clubs can really use the cash - astro is kinda a niche hobby!
* This scope is NOT usable for astrophotography. Isn't designed to be.
* Over 197,000 upvotes - thank you all so much!
* I am speaking at the Black Forest Star Party in Coudersport, PA about telescope making in September. Register here:
https://bfsp.org/ - will also be at the Cherry Springs Star Party at the same location in June, as well as Stellafane in August and potentially the Oregon Star Party in July and Peach State Star Gaze in October.
* Thanks for the gold and awards, kind strangers!
Again, TYSM everyone!