You carefully clean your workspace and move to progressively finer grits to remove sub-surface damage and leave a smooth, satin finish. Phase 3: Polishing and Figuring
: 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.
, proves otherwise. If you've ever wanted to tackle the "superior image forming capability" of an unobstructed refractor, this guide is your essential roadmap. Why Choose the Remer Method? making a refractor telescope norman remer pdf 12 new
Since its publication in 2006 by Willmann-Bell, this book has become a staple for DIY astronomers.
For those starting out, the book focuses on the , which consists of two glass elements designed to correct for optical issues like color (chromatic aberration), coma, and spherical aberration. You carefully clean your workspace and move to
: Many editions include a CD-ROM with Excel-based refractor design programs to help users calculate their own optical prescriptions.
For many amateur astronomers, the idea of grinding a lens is often dismissed as an "insurmountable task" reserved for professionals. While thousands of hobbyists have successfully polished parabolic mirrors for Newtonian reflectors, the refractor—prized for its unobstructed, high-contrast images—is frequently overlooked in the DIY world. Norman Remer’s seminal work, , proves otherwise
Then came Norman Remer's book. It directly challenged this notion, arguing that making a lens involves the same simple practices and common tools as making a mirror.
Can be made from aluminum, fiberglass, or heavy-duty phenolic tubing.
The Amateur’s Guide to Building Refractors: Insights from Norman Remer
Usually machined from aluminum or high-density plastics.
