The Astronomy Binocular Support

Construction

You will need :-


2 x large hexagonal bolts (6.5cm long approx.)
4 x large washers (to fit bolts)
2 x tee nuts (to fit bolts)
4 x angle brackets
24 x self tapping screws (no. 6 size 20 mm long approx.)
wood (2000mm x 70mm x 45mm approx.)

electric drill & a drill bit of the same diameter as the tee nut centres
screwdriver, saw, sandpaper, paint, primer & brush

Total cost excluding tools and paint, approximately £10.00

Instructions

Step 1

Cut the wood into 4 pieces of 300mm and 1 piece of 600mm. Smooth any rough edges with sandpaper.

Step 2

Use 2 of the angle brackets and the screws to join 2 of the 300mm lengths of wood into an inverted T shape. Attach the angle brackets to the upright first, position them so that when they are screwed on to the base the upright is pulled firmly down. This should prevent any wobbles when assembled. As shown in the picture the wood should be joined on the narrow face. Repeat with the 2 remaining 300mm pieces of wood and angle brackets.

Step 3

You should now have the base and uprights of the Binocular Support assembled. Drill 4 or 5 holes down the centre of the uprights starting 25mm from the top and spaced by 25 mm. The drill bit should be the same size as will be used to drill the holes for the tee nuts.

Step 4

Drill a hole into the centre of each end of the 600mm piece of wood, make sure the holes are deep enough to take the bolts after they have been passed through the uprights. Tap the tee nuts into the holes and secure by screwing 4 screws into the angles of the tee nuts.

All that is required now is a coat of primer & paint or varnish to protect the Binocular Support from the elements.

To assemble, pass a bolt with a washer through a hole in each of the uprights, add another washer and screw the bolts into the tee nuts until finger tight. You should use the holes that will position the crossbar just above your chest. The height will vary depending on how cold your observing session is likely to be and how many layers of clothing you are wearing. The cross bar should be able to freely pivot to allow for the angle of your forearms.

Variations

If you have difficulty assembling the Binocular Support when out in the dark try the following. Cut the heads from the bolts with a junior hack saw and fix the stubs permanently into the cross bar with a strong adhesive. Use wing nuts to attach the crossbar to the uprights. This may not be such a practical idea if you plan on carrying the Binocular Support in a rucksack as the stubs will bore a hole in it's bottom, but it could be the preferred option for everyone else.

I see no reason why the Binocular Support can not be used while lying on a sun lounger. The uprights would need to be clipped securely to the lounger's frame, and the crossbar cut to the right length to match the width of the lounger. Stability should be unaffected.