Prior
Customer Photo
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2025
- Custom
Collapsible Mount kit
Clamshell Rings
Large Altitude Bearings
"Mark,
Here is a photo of my completed folding mount, all finished
with the General Finishes water-based products you recommended.
I chose a cinnamon color stain followed by two coats of GF's
satin top-coat. The mount holds a fine OTA - a 6" Russian
Maksutov Newtonian which is a heavy tube but the mount handles
it with zero complaints. In fact, this quick-out setup that
anyone in my family can use with very little training, I'll
now consider an heirloom. Yes it's all that nice and I thank
AstroGoods so much for the custom work in making this setup
possible."
Leon
Zebrick
Mandeville, Louisiana
Member Pontchartrain Astronomy Society
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2023
- Standard Solid Mount Kit
Kit nicely
finished by happy buyer. Nice view of ground board with Teflon
riding lightly on laminate ring of rocker box bottom board.
Well done Gwinn!
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2022 - Standard
Solid Mount Kit
Manual Setting Circles.
Orion XT8 in just assembled kit mount. Sanding and finishing
next.
"It works great. Thanks Mark!"
Jerel
M.
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2022 - Standard
Solid Mount Kit
Val said he had a Skywatcher 8 Collapsible Dob but no mount
for it. Easy fit into an AstroGoods Standard Mount Kit. His
photo shows it in the assembled mount, testing it out before
sanding and finishing the kit.
"Got the base, its awesome. Its awesome to have a
functioning dob now! Thanks Mark."
Val
P.
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Custom
Solid Mounts
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2025 - Custom
Solid Mount finished
Clamshell Rings
Large Altitude Bearings.
"Mark
- I've finished assembling the mount and it's great!"
Al
T.
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2024 - Custom
Solid Mount kit
Small altitude bearings
Integrated Height Stand.
8" Orion Dobsonian: "Great work. Very stable and smooth."
Thanks.
John.
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2024 - Custom
Solid Mount
Clamshell Ring
Large Altitude Bearings,
12.5" split tube with binos.
Thanks
Jeffrey J!
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2024
- Custom Solid Mount
Finished
Large Altitude Bearings,
Special cherry finish. "Hi Mark, the mount safely arrived
at my home yesterday afternoon. Assembly was very easy - it
took about half an hour of work and a screwdriver. I took it
out to view M42, and the mount is solid with buttery motion.
It took off a solid 7.5" of height and 20-30 lbs! My only
regret is not ordering rotating rings, but I can live with it.
Here is a quick photo of the scope (10" f/7) from my phone.
Thanks again!"
Robert
K.
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2023
- Custom Solid
Mount Kit
Clamshell Rings
Large Bearings
"I just completed the solid mount with large altitude
bearing for my 8 inch f6 reflector. The tube is aluminum.
The mount was finished with birch edging on the exposed
cut surfaces and I further countersunk the wood screws
and added wood caps to hide the screw heads. I upgraded
the feet using hockey pucks for better resistance to ground
moisture."
Anthony
S.
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Three mounts,
identical height and width but for three different diameter
telescope tubes. This allows interchangeability of telescopes
on the mounts. Ordered by school science instructor for loaning
to students.
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2022 - Custom
Solid Mount Kit
Large Altitude Bearings.
Al in Florida wanted to get his 8" Orion off the tripod
it came on. Here it is in the stock rings , following his fine
finishing and assembly work.
Thanks Al!
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2021
- Custom Solid Mount
kit
Clamshell Rings
Small Altitude Bearings
Long focal length split tube. Thanks J! |
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2021
- Custom Solid Mount
kit
Large Altitude Bearings
Marc's kit was shipped over a year ago. He took his time to paint,
assemble and even add some modifications resulting in this stylish
12 inch "Great White Shark". He requested these specific
large altitude bearings after seeing Lisa W's
tripod dob, and added the crossbar atop the bearings. Thank you
Marc for the photo, its a favorite! |
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2021
- Custom Solid Mount
kit
Clamshell Rings
Small Altitude Bearings.
"Thanks for the excellent, high-quality base. Here it is
finished and ready to dazzle viewers."
John
C.
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2021
- Custom Solid Mount
Kit
Clamshell Rings
Small Altitude Bearings
"Excellent
base. Just fantastic!"
Frank
C.
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2020
- Custom Solid Mount
Clamshell Rings
Small Altitude Bearings.
"I've had this scope since 1980 and I'm not sure when it
was built since I acquired it used. The optics are beyond excellent
after all these years and I can tell you that I had a ball using
it on the new mount with the DSC. That poor old OTA has been in
a car wreck and long term storage and many many observing sessions
... but it is still kicking. Your Dobsonian mount is light years
ahead of what I put together when I ditched the clunky old German
Equatorial. The motion of the mount is great."
Don
M.
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2020 - Custom
Solid Mount Finished
Clamshell Rings
Large Altitude Bearings
Ordered
with Sky Commander hardware for customer installed DSC. This
mount was designed to meet the buyer's seated height preferences.
"Thanks a great mount. I did some daytime testing and the
view is steady with my hand on focus or taping on tube. The
height of the base is a pleasure for using the scope while seated.
Looking forward to a lot of great years of use."
Jeff
W.
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2020
- Custom Solid Mount
Kit
Small Altitude Bearings.
Shipped to Germany finished but unassembled to save on transportation
costs. Ground board was requested to be under the rocker box completely
to keep assembly from rolling during transport. Altitude bearings
are offset to correct for poor factory balance causing a nose-heavy
tendency.
"The
mount runs very smooth and is both very light and portable.
Excellent. :) I can easily carry the complete telescope because
of the smaller size and holes in both sides. This is a huge
step ahead compared to the stock mount. Thank you very much
for your effort."
Hermann
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2020
- Custom Solid Mount
Kit
Large Altitude Bearings Kit
"I finished building the mount and refinishing the telescope.
Attached are a few photos. They were taken at the club's observing
site yesterday. I used the scope/mount to observe about a dozen
globular clusters last night. It is working very well. Your dimensions
were all perfect, it all fit really well. Thanks for your effort."
Steven
P.
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2019 - Custom
Solid Mount Kit
Clamshell Rings
Small Altitude Bearings
"I
thought you might be interested to know that I've now got your
mount paired up with a matching equatorial platform and working
well. Life is good!"
Greg L.
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2019
- Custom Solid Mount
Kit
Clamshell Rings
Small Altitude Bearings
"I
have finished the mount . It looks terrific. I particularly
like the dowels and holes."
Paul
B.
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2019
- Custom Solid Mount
Finished
Clamshell Rings
Small Altitude Bearings.
"It
looks great! Can't wait to take it for a test run."
Scott
C. - Takahashi MT-160.
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2019 - Custom
Solid Moun Finished
Clamshell Rings
Small Altitude Bearings Finished:
This
mount was built for a heavy MN66 Mak-Newt, so we worked with
the buyer to sufficiently stiffen with both internal and external
bracing. Our collaboration continued even after the mount was
delivered in order to test and adjust the stiffness.
"I did the upgrades last weekend and tested several times
during the week. I'm
glad to report that the mount works fine and looks great too."
Romaine
G.
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2019 - Custom
Solid Mount Kit
Small Altitude Bearings
Here is Will's finished 10" SkyWatcher. He asked for the
ground board to be completely under the rocker box, which makes
it more compact for travel. Notice the offset mounting of the
bearings and nice eyepiece holders inside the front board.
"The tube now balances nicely. There is no problem collapsing
the tube with the larger, offset bearings and show how much
bulkier the stock mount is."
Will
S.
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2018 - Custom
Solid Mount Finished
Clamshell Rings
Small Altitude Bearings
Tube End Rings.
"Mark
worked tirelessly with me on my mount project. I had many ideas
for customization and changes that I wanted to make and he worked
with me on every single aspect of it. He would not rest until
I was satisfied and his attention to detail and commitment to
his customers is truly amazing. Thank you again for everything
you did, Mark. I am truly grateful and very happy with my mount."
Patrick
S.
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2017 - Custom
Solid Mount Kit
Clamshell Rings
Small Altitude Bearings kit.
"Hi Mark,
The telescope is working very well. I added encoders to use
with my Argo Navis. You did a very nice job on the mount as
the pointing accuracy is very good. The scope is an Orion (
English) VX10L, 10" f/6.3. Thank you for all your help
with this project. I am happy to recommend your products and
services."
Ellis
E.
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2017 - Custom
Solid Mount Finished
Clamshell Rings
Small Altitude Bearings
Ron asked for a replacement for his 10" Orion mount, and
a clamshell with bearings 6" to fit the 10" mount.
Two telescopes one mount!
"Stand arrived this evening. Great job! Looks super, works
great. The most amazing part is that it weighs 1/1,000th the
weight of the original Orion stand!! Geez!! The real reason
that I wanted the mount, so I could put my 6" to good use
also. I had no mount for it before, now it looks good enough
to sell. BUT - I won't!!"
Ron
D.
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Apertura
Style Solid Solid Mounts
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2024 - Standard
Apertura solid mount kit.
"Hi
Mark, thanks for the nice work you dide. Here are some pics
of it. It is much lighter than the stock base."
Brian
F.
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2023 - Standard Apertura Style Collapsible
Mount
Azimuth setting circles.
"I weighed the base you made for me and it was 23 lbs,
a full 10 lbs lighter than the stock particle board OEM base!"
Darrel
H.
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2018
- Apertura Style Solid Mount finished.
"Thanks Mark, you know I have never left the scope in the
living room. The black wood mount just did not look living room
worthy. Beyond functionality and weight, your mount looks great
and I am happy to have in the room now. Will be sure to let folks
know where it came from.
I know this
is about the most simple mount you make, but it is still a great
change for this scope and I am glad I finally did it. It is
so much lighter, and a heck of a lot nicer than the standard
mounts that come with these or any similar scope.'
Douglas
M.
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Lightweight
Solid Mounts
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2023 - Lightweight
Solid Mount Kit
Large Altitude Bearings
Love the base and mount! Great product! The mount from Orion
was like 25+ pounds. Heavy. The lightweight mount weight 14.5
pounds.
Bethel
T.
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Collapsible
Custom Mounts
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2025 - Custom
Collapsible Mount Kit
Clamshell Rings
Large Altitude Bearings
Dob Stand.
John K set
his up still unfinished mount with large bearings and stand
checking fit and stability. The separate stand was designed
to put eyepiece at his wife's standing eye height at zenith.
Very considerate and thoughtful. John found a deal on a tube
only telescope, we designed and made the mount and large bearings
to fit.
Next on to fine sanding, stain and finish.
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2025 - Custom
Collapsible Mount Kit
Clamshell Rings
Large Altitude Bearings
Mark, Perfect
fit!
Here is my Mak/Newt on the mount - testing with planetary magnification
looking at far off pine cones. There is no backlash on either
axis and Im as pleased as can be. Ill use gelled
superglue to attach the alt and az bearing laminate - then it
will be on to cinnamon stain and finish coats. Oh, and the height
is perfect for sitting in a regular height chair. No need to
elevate the scope. Thank you very much!!
Leon
Z
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2024 - Custom
Collapsible Mount Kit
Clamshell Rings
Large Bearings.
"I
spoke with you several times in late 2022/early 2023 and ordered
a Dob mount kit. I completed it in early 2023 and have been
using it ever since! It is great!"
Murray
H.
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2024 - Custom
Collapsible Mount Finished
Clamshell Rings
Large Altitude Bearings
EZ Adjust Setting Circles.
"The
movement is greatly improved much easier to stop on an object
and keep it in the field of view with small incremental movements.
Super happy
with your creation!"
Thanks
again,
Marc
L
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2022 - Custom
Collapsible Mount Kt
Small Altitude Bearings
"Mark:
Had
first light last night. I think the mount will work well for
me (see picture). The collapsing design was a major selling
point."
Joe
C.
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2022 - Custom
Collapsible Mount Finished
Clamshell Rings
Large Altitude Bearings.
12"
Orion SkyQuest XX12i Intelliscope owner wrote "The mount
arrived, its amazing! Thank you Mark! You are a true artist
and master craftsman. Everything fits like a glove and looks
great. I had high expectations and this mount exceeded them.
Clear skies
to you sir!"
Ian
C.
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2021 - Custom
Collapsible Mount Kit
Large Altitude Bearings
For 12" SkyWatcher Collapsible.
"I finally finished up my mount. Im very happy with
it. Im pleasantly surprised how solid the mount is
even
with the collapsible nature."
Joe
J.
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2021 - Custom
Collapsible Mount Kit
Small Atitude Bearings
"I
have finally finished my scope and I love the mount that you
have made! I've attached a couple photos and feel free to use
them on your website. Thank you again!"
Justin
Q.
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2021 -
Custom Collapsible
Mount Kit
Clamshell Rings
Small Altitude Bearings
Collapsible
folded flat. Front and side boards are hinged so everything
is one unit. Locking knobs are stored onboard when mount is
collapsed.
Upon receipt: "What a beautiful job you did on this mount.
Many thanks for the care and precision that went into rendering
this functional art object.
Upon completion: "My mount is Varathaned and ready to go.
I am still impressed by the precision and intricate carpentry
of this device. Again, equal qualities of art and craft. You
are the master."
Mick
B.
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2021 - Custom
Collapsible Mount Kits
"It
worked out perfectly. The scopes pivot and rock so nicely. I
made those mirrors in the 70s and made many refinements along
the way, but I never expected that I would ever have mounts
as fantastic as these! Thank you so much!"
Lou
B .
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2020
- Custom Collapsible
Mount Finished
Clamshell Rings
Small Altitude Bearings
Dob Stand
Built with removable tripod legs for added height (see original
mount height on table).
"Went together very nicely. Really
can't say enough about how much thought you put into the design.
Wow.
Very elegant
and stylish, love the legs!!"
Kevin
L.
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2020 - Custom
Collapsible Mount Finished
Shown in use and at its 5" collapsed height.
"I
think the mount is fantastic Solid when assembled compared to
my original mount. Saves me almost 2 cubic feet of storage and
transport space compared to the old mount. I really like the brass
inserts for the thumb screws. The bearings are silky smooth. I
like the thick teflon pads."
Ken
L.
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2019 - Custom
Collapsible Mount Kit
Clamshell Rings
Small Altitude Bearings
"Finished the scope this. Thanks for your help. My 3 granddaughters
and I painted out Zodiac signs on the scope and mounted the
optics this weekend. Having your mount available made the job
a lot easier for me."
Mark
N.
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2018 - Custom
Collapsible Mount Kit
Clamshell Rings
Small Altitude Bearings
"EXCELLENT!
Thanks, you guys do great work."
Pete
M.
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2016 - Custom
Collapsible Mount Kit
Small Altitude Bearings
"Mount works perfectly, going from zero to slightly over
90 degrees. Altitude movement is silk smooth; azimuth movement
is firm and precise. Mount height and tube clearance were spot-on!
There´s about one inch of clearance."
Marcelo
I. - Rio, Brazil
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Height
Adjustment Stands
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2024 - Height
Adjustment Stand Kit
6" Orion Starblast. "I received the stand for
the Orion Starblast 6 this morning. It fits the telescope perfectly.
This will enable me to sit down and operate this table top telescope.
Thanks!"
Brad
M.
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2024 - Integrated
Height Adjustment Stand Kit
Custom Solid Mount
Small Altitude Bearings
8" Orion Dobsonian: "Great work. Very stable and smooth."
Thanks.
John.
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2021 - Height
Adjustment Stand Kit
For 8" Apertura:
"Fit like a glove, firm and no wiggle. Gonna paint it black.
Thanks so much, this it the perfect height for me."
Jason
H.
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2020
- Height Adjustment Stand
Finished
Custom Collapsible Mount
Clamshell Rings
Small Altitude Bearings
Built with removable tripod legs for added height (see original
mount height on table).
"Went together very nicely. Really
can't say enough about how much thought you put into the design.
Wow.
Very elegant
and stylish, love the legs!!"
Kevin
L.
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Tripod
Compatible Solid Mounts
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2019 - Tripod
Adapted Solid Mount and Altitude Bearings
"Just
beautiful! That is one good looking mount. It fits the CG4 like
a glove, is buttery smooth, rock solid and is the perfect height
for me for viewing while standing (Im 510).
I couldn't be happier. Thanks a bunch Mark, I look forward to
working with you again sometime!"
Lisa
W.
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Altitude
Bearings Upgrades
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2023
- 5"
bearings upgrade kit
"Im finally sending a photo of the Big Bearings
on my DIY 10 Dob. They have made a noticeable improvement
in sticktion which keeps the tube steady at zenith,
and on target at public outreach events. (The original bearing
setup was too low in friction)".
Russel
H.
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2023 - 5"
bearings upgrade kit
Attached to 10" Discovery, making elevation more stable
with improved motion.
I just finished installing the new bearing. It works great.
Almost hated to paint it to match since the craftsmanship looked
so nice. But this way it matches the scope and stand.
Mark
L.
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2021
5"
bearings upgrade kit
"I got the bearing kit stained the wood parts, and mounted
it (very carefully!) to the scope. Works great, and looks even
better! Good product, and you're a great person to deal with.
I posted this picture to CN, and mentioned that I was very pleased
with the quality of the parts. Thanks for the excellent product."
Bill
S.
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2019 - 12"
Bearings Kit
Replacing 5" factory bearings kit.
"Was able to use the SkyWatcher Dob with the Big Bearings
upgrade. Super smooth motions in alt. Very happy with the results
so far."
Greg
W.
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Clamshell
Rings And Large Altitude Bearings
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2024 - Clamshell
Rings with large altitude bearings.
"I got the 10" scope finished. Had it out last night
for the first time and I'm very pleased with it.
As planned, the clamshell assembly also fits my original 13"
rocker box allowing me to use the Dob Driver 2 tracking system.
sweet.
Thanx for your patience and support in getting it done."
Stephen
S.
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2024
- Clamshell rings
6" f/10 on G11 mount. Another creation by Jeffrey J. |