Amateur Telescope Makers (ATMs or TNs [Telescope Nuts] for short) are a varied lot.  Our workshops often reflect that diversity.  In our quest for that perfect telescope, we resort to building some or all of the components ourselves.  ATMing can span the gamut from building everything yourself to just making modifications or accessories for your favorite manufacturer's product.  ATMing as a hobby allows you to bring your own unique ideas, skills, and talents from other hobbies to the forefront.  In this way, you may enjoy the pleasure of working at a combination of several of your hobbies at the same time.

The ATM's telescope often says a lot about the builder's other hobbies.  Many ATM's telescopes are works of art in terms of woodworking, metalworking, optical or mechanical design innovations, electronic accessories, or some other aspect.  While many ATMs build their own telescopes to save money, others do it for the fun, satisfaction, educational value, and varied other reasons.  In addition to building telescopes, ATMs often end up building many of the specialized tools their hobby projects require.  This can often lead to new projects that build (and feed) upon themselves and can lead the ATM into worlds they never knew existed.

These pages are intended to give you some project ideas, tips, and pointers to help you in your quest for your perfect telescope.  You are freely encouraged to add these tools and projects to your own workshop.  I hope you enjoy the tour through my ATM Workshop.

You might find it useful to scan the "About" article which describes the organization and layout of this Web site.  There are also tips there for sending me email and for viewing the more detailed images that are linked to each article.