Easy to Build Telescope Rolling Base DIY

You can build your own rolling base for your telescope! After a few different iterations, I am sharing the simplest build I have used. This is something you can put together in very little time. I have limited the parts to a minimum. It is a couple pieces of wood and some wheels (Casters). I also discuss the science of tipping, so stick around for that portion.
As always, please like and subscribe... and, Clear Skies!
Below is a list of the components featured within this video. Many of the links are affiliate links. By clicking the links and making purchases at either Amazon or OptCorp, I may be compensated at no cost to you.
Base Build Components:
- Locking Caster Set [Example] (amzn.to/3cfizMx)
- M12 Ring (amzn.to/3fLdrlG)
- Example Hex Bolt (www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-5-8-...) [non-affiliate]
NOTE: Get the correct length bolts based on your needs along with the correct washers (per side) and nut.
- Example 2x2ft Plywood Project Board (www.lowes.com/pd/23-32-in-Com...) [non-affiliate]
- Example 2x4x4 Project Board (www.lowes.com/pd/2-in-x-4-in-...) [non-affiliate]
- 2ft Heavy Duty Extension Cord 3-way (Oamzn.to/3uLwnF4)
- 3/4" Clamps to Tie Down Extension Cord (amzn.to/3uMqUO4)
- Example Hook-to-Hook Style Turnbuckle (amzn.to/34ENC06)
Astrophotography Equipment In Video
Mounts:
- Sky Watcher EQ6-R Pro (bit.ly/3ttF5HX)
- Orion Sirius EQ-G (bit.ly/3c01LJK)
Optics:
- Canon 200mm f/2.8 II USM Lens (amzn.to/3wRoXBM)
- Celestron 8" SCT (bit.ly/3ePADii)
Focusers:
- Focuser: Astromechanics Canon Lens Focuser (www.astromechanics.org/ascom....) [non-affiliate]
- Pegasus Astro FocusCube2 (bit.ly/37NJ2Pb)
Cameras:
- ZWO ASI (bit.ly/3tP0qLv)
- ZWO ASI1600MM-Pro (bit.ly/3qYX5Z7)
- ZWO ASI174mm-mini (bit.ly/3vnZMXz)
Finder/Guider Related:
- ZWO Finder Shoe (bit.ly/2SLYU03)
- ZWO 30mm f/4 Finder (bit.ly/3s5tNZX)
- ZWO ASI174mm-mini (bit.ly/3vnZMXz)
- Celestron Off-Axis Guider (bit.ly/38LoCqm)
Hardware:
- ASI Ring to attach Finder (bit.ly/34COt1n)
- ADM V Dovetail with 2x 90mm rings (bit.ly/3p9aQoH)
- Dual Saddle (www.highpointscientific.com/a...) [non-affiliate]
- Additional Dual Saddle Options (bit.ly/2RgsfPM)
For more of my astrophotography, visit:
www.PatriotAstro.com
Also, follow me on Instagram at:
/ patriot_astro
-------CHAPTERS-------
0:00 - Introduction
0:50 - Build Description
2:50 - Easy To Move
3:36 - Science Of Tipping
4:55 - Lower The Center Of Mass
6:08 - Closing

[@mosesrodriguez1494]

Congratulations on your portable assemblies. You are the first astronomer I've seen come across employing M12 hardware on the tripod's center post. I am on the same track to construct a similar assembly for a Celestron NexStar 8SE. I started on my astronomy hobby October 2023.

[@PatriotAstro]

Welcome aboard! :) Enjoy!

[@andretaurines1704]

Thanks a lot, Chad! Your systematic style is awesome! Learned a lot from your channel, hope you keep publishing these brilliant videos. Cheers, Andre

[@PatriotAstro]

More to come!

[@rob1733]

Hi, and thanks for the great tips! I've just completed mine but instead of your T, I used 3 planks in a Y. Wish I had seen this first! Looks so much simpler. Plus the centre connection is brilliant!
I'm in 2 minds about drilling a cup for the ends of the legs vs attaching stoppers at the end of the planks. With stoppers, I can leave the planks longer and have infinite positions should I wish to extend the tripod legs.
But I'm brand new to this. Do you never see a situation where you might like to extend your tripod legs and raise your telescope?

[@gkather]

Great video! I'm going to build a dolly now. Assembly and disassembly is getting old:)

[@PatriotAstro]

Necessity is the mother of invention! It got real old for me too. :-)

[@dennisspender402]

Chad, great video. In leveling the mount, I sometimes adjust the length of each tripod leg. In doing that, will it affect the placement of the tripod footing on the mount you constructed?

[@PatriotAstro]

It can, yes, since the more you shorten each leg the smaller the base triangle becomes. If it is a small amount, it will not matter too much, but if it is dramatic, it could make a bit of a difference. You can test by taking a leg-to-leg measurement at the end while fully extended, then adjust and measure again. You will like not find it to be too far off for most manipulations.

[@garybarr7116]

The Example Hook-to-Hook Style Turnbuckle. I understand the top part goes to the M12 ring. How did you attach the bottom of the hook to hook turnbuckle?

[@PatriotAstro]

I just put an eyebolt/hook in the base.

[@siegfriednoet]

Very nice to see how you made those, at the Eq6R PRO mount is that also M12 ring in the center ?

[@PatriotAstro]

Yes. It actually is also M12. If you look close, I did a bit of overkill on that one and used three tiedowns from the ring. Unless you have a steep slope, it’s absolutely not needed. If you’re really concerned, I would just add some weight to the base and once it’s tied down, your center of mass will be so much lower that it will help quite a bit.

[@siegfriednoet]

@@PatriotAstro Thanx for the tip !

[@whatmattersmost6725]

First...Look's like 4" wheels?

[@PatriotAstro]

The mount in the back is on 5 inch casters while the one in the front is on 4 inch casters. I do prefer the 5s over the 4s because it seems to roll over cracks and small bumps a bit easier.