How to (Almost) Make a Telescope from Scratch

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After making Eyeglasses and a Microscope from scratch, next I set my eyes to the skies and want to attempt a telescope from scratch!
Thank you to Lewis Dartnell again for his help, his book has helped inspired most of the optics series. Check it out here: goo.gl/jlN4aX
Special thanks to the guys at American Workshop for their help making the telescope body! americanworkshop.com/
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|| ABOUT ||
Today, getting what you need is as easy as a trip to the store. From food to clothing, energy, medicine, and so much more, Andy George will discover what it takes to make everything from scratch. His mission is to understand the complex processes of manufacturing that is often taken for granted and do it all himself. Each week he’s traveling the world to bypass the modern supply chain in order to harvest raw materials straight from the source. Along the way, he’s answering the questions you never thought to ask.
Music by the talented Taylor Lewin
taylorlewin.com

[@Navimumbhai]

Safety was not number one priority in this video

[@jort6476]

Boom look at that

[@konchatzi]

bhai rankar look at dat

[@Navimumbhai]

Boom!

[@shaskizzle]

When he cut his finger: Uhouh!

[@juliuscarlnavales8432]

bhai rankar you forgot da "the"

[@smith2354]

glass manufacturing = the bane of How To Make Everything

[@MrAstrojensen]

Wrong. Just ask the right people to help you, namely amateur telescope makers.

[@MrDRSMAX]

amateur telescope makers don't typically make their own glass. They'll either start with a premade lens, or with a glass blank.

[@kenroleinvald3630]

glass blowing

[@MrAstrojensen]

True, but I know some of them on CloudyNights have made their own glass, just for the heck of it.

[@eggperson5410]

But it’s So Damn Pretty

[@bagunzi]

man, why the HELL did anyone tell you that is a BAD IDEA to DRILL GLASS with diamond BLADES with your bare hands? When I saw the first second of this drilling I knew its going to end bad.

[@KonservenFurz]

Hey man, it's a Minnesota thing. We know it's dangerous but we still do it because we don't feel like finding our gloves. Source: My dad almost cut off his thumb (again) with a table saw a few days ago

[@simaod17]

bagunzi could have been so much worse too

[@AKAMrWobbels]

OSHA needs to start auditing people like this in their homes

[@Mystiverv]

Same dude

[@Sharpless2]

mr Overcarefull was found. Mission Successfully completed

[@Exayevie]

Andy: Unfortunately, I still haven't quite figured out level 1. What should I do? Louis: Definitely move on to level 170.

[@hornetIIkite3]

Sometimes you have to run before you can walk. Or drill before learning how to operate a drill safely

[@bearcatben4762]

He figured it out now

[@TheOfficialCzex]

I'm glad you got a sponsor! More money for you = more content from you!

[@alexchulzhanov]

Holy crap it's been a long ass time since I've seen you.

[@TheOfficialCzex]

byalexandr I spend most of my time on the PCPartPicker forums, now.

[@alexchulzhanov]

TheJTguy Years ago from the LinusTechTips forums.

[@TheOfficialCzex]

byalexandr Indeed. Great to see you again.

[@nataliaturczynska1386]

TheOfficialCzex Albania

[@Dracheneks]

Please, do how to make leather gloves. These would help lots, not only for us, but you too.

[@cleverusername9369]

He'd have to raise a cow for that

[@JoshuaFCB]

Dan Witzke or buy premade leather

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

Catch a deer. Skin it. Tan the hide. THEN make the gloves.

[@ismailcho76]

@@cleverusername9369 😂🤣

[@ronievonvarona7269]

Drill with a diamond-tipped drill bit, use your bare hands to touch the glass it is cutting.. what could possibly go wrong? :)) I was actually expecting you to get hurt when I saw it, and it happened. be careful

[@gulle8536]

& after he got cut he still did the glass

[@LinkTheCoward]

Just found this channel. Two hours later, and now I'm hooked. Love your content, keep it up man!

[@Nofadon]

same lol

[@jacobxiang-jiliao365]

same bro same

[@Jack-qi7ef]

same

[@Hello-qc8lb]

LinkTheCoward sameee

[@Yoyo378]

I`m afraind i will end up the same :D

[@baylego]

Every time he fails feels so sincere

[@lucasmetro]

baylego it honestly is the number one thing that keeps me watching his content and not other people's content

[@TheMuse260]

I would have completely abandoned the whole project if even the easiest step failed at my first attempt. These have some real patience

[@shellbournian]

Me: oh man he's gonna slice his... yep there it is

[@__-cd9ug]

Coming soon: "How to make a KZbin video from scratch", including a camera, microphone, computer and *the internet* made from scratch!

[@SammyPsk]

u could make an "internet" by connecting multiple PCs together :D which is basically internet, but not

[@celeste4668]

Its a network so it technically is internet

[@christopherg2347]

I am sure the Internet (as in anything past your router) can be considered a "natural resource" like flowing water and electricity today. But I guess he could start at the camera and then work his way backwards.

[@socialex]

“If I left you alone in the middle of nowhere how long would it take you to send me a text message?” - Joe Rogan (paraphrased)

[@InfinityArcane]

3:41 Who else saw that coming...

[@MladenMijatov]

Pretty much everyone.

[@jesusalonso4405]

@@MladenMijatov except for the guy wielding the tool.

[@kakuella]

Kids, always wear safety gears when you are using tools

[@KevinShihKevinFresh]

That only does so much...

[@neongooroo]

SEIFTI IZ NAMBER WAN PRIOWRITY

[@TheNINDLE]

kakuella safety number on priority

[@WetWillie67]

He has to make them first

[@jerryrymell4088]

You probably are a kid.

[@writingworks]

this is one of the best channels on you tube its seriously under subscribed

[@christiansegoviano4273]

Like 4 times this dude was told to leave the glass in the kiln for longer, yet he STILL leaves it in for like 10 or 5 hours

[@davidnotonstinnett]

This video and your glasses video helped me appreciate why my high school history class made such a big deal out of Galileo making his own lenses. In high school it was like "oh he did his own science experiment. Seeing this I was like "Oh, he wouldn't have been able to make his discoveries without also being very skilled in glass making techniques."

[@DimiY26]

that cut looked painful AF

[@jordibear]

Instead of making an optical telescope like this, you could have had a much easier time making a reflector. Because you don't need lenses at all, just mirrors, which are MUCH easier to make and make sure they're clean and pure on the surface. I highly recommend a Newtonian design, as they are the simplest. (though a Cassegrain or Gregorian could be a nice challenge) But (glass issues aside) your optical telescope could be improved by making your lenses thinner. Thick lenses don't quite follow the thin lens equations I presume you used to calculate focal lengths. Focal lengths calculation could also be vastly improved by using a stand/clamp of some sort instead of just holding the lens, which leads to pretty inaccurate results.

[@htme]

Good points, thanks! A reflecting telescope is definitely on my future agenda. The most difficult chemical I need to source for the camera film is likely silver. So if I get access to that later this year, I can also use it to make a mirror and attempt a reflecting telescope.

[@gowdsake7103]

The primary mirror is very accurately ground concave mirror

[@metatechnologist]

Further, he doesn't necessarily need to use glass when making a reflector. He might could use a rock with fine grain and coefficient of expansion close to glass. Even then, if he wanted to he could use obsidian i.e. volcanic glass and make a reflector from that.

[@donovanmorgan7944]

It made me cringe when you cut yourself. That looks like it really hurt

[@smygsnusare7041]

Never clicked on a video so fast before.

[@nikolaythebest]

There is a ton of channels on youtube sponsored by the Grand Courses but I think yours is the most related in content than any other because you are always trying to learn new skills and then you teach us what they are about and maybe inspire young minds with your awesome content. Love your channel, keep it up. ;)

[@mancalacat6333]

*is using diamond cutter* Me: he’s going to cut his finger Him: *cuts finger* Me: welp.

[@dannygjk]

He was damn lucky it wasn't worse.

[@thisstuffido9141]

Love the video. I'm just getting into glasswork and telescopes over the last few weeks, so perfect timing.

[@Gammaduster]

I love that you put Lewis' ideas into practive. I absolutely enjoyed his book.

[@CreeperGreenMC]

A selfie from scratch wouldn be really interesting. I hope the next glass turns out great ^_^

[@marianopesa298]

CreeperGreenMC too fucking difficult

[@CreeperGreenMC]

mariano pesa I think the optics will be the hardest thing but i think a primitive camera does not need tremendously much.

[@emilclaudell]

CreeperGreenMC something like a pinhole camera could be fairly doable I believe

[@CreeperGreenMC]

emilclaudell Yeah, but Lewis said that Andy should use his knowledge in optics to make one. So probably something a bit more advanced

[@emilclaudell]

CreeperGreenMC yeah, just watched the video till the end, sorry about that

[@kavivarun9121]

2:15 that is brighter than my future

[@humblesoldier5474]

I had a shiver go up my spine seeing that accident. I'm not squeamish, just really empathetic. Half felt that cut.

[@jacobkelly3863]

KEEP DOING THIS!!! This series is bloody great content man!

[@timothycormack1129]

Thanks for the video. Very cool. Love how you stay true to making things from scratch. Question: do you have to use glass or can I mill clear acrylic to the right arc and get passible results? Again, love your enthusiasm and projects. Thanks so much.

[@weneedmoreconsideratepeopl4006]

depends on whether the refractive index of the acrylic chunk is similar to glass

[@amorembalming]

these videos are nothing less than stunning. Thank you so much for making them.

[@HelloQro]

really awesome video as always, it really saddens me that glass making is still an issue but at the same time make me appreciate something that i take for granted. keep up the awesome job, hope you finally nail glass making in upcoming videos.

[@jbaltusstuff5908]

So far the most satisfying and interesting KZbin channel, keep up with the great work!

[@lucasmetro]

DUDE A SPONSORSHIP!!! IM SO PROUD OF YOU DUDE! START A FREAKING PATREON AND A PAYPAL! People love your shit (like me) and we ALL want you to succeed at this!!!

[@aleks2912]

Subbed, videos are definitely interesting. Why do you only have 220k, you should have way more, the production and editing is great aswell.

[@pepsdeps]

I appreciated that you used recycled glass. Good for the environment, and gives you clearer glass

[@vincentreyes4332]

this makes you appreciate the work people put into making stuff that works

[@joshuagarcia5517]

I've been wanting a telescope for the longest

[@Tyler-ho8ts]

I hope your finger heals up quick, that looked really painful!

[@them8tysibulba]

I dont know why, but your videos help me make my physicsexercises when i just listen to them on headphones, thank you and amazing amount of crativity you come up with

[@r.j.2955]

Please do not ever hurt yourself like that. You don't deserve that. You work so hard to create these things, not just so you can get a deep cut. I am glad you didn't hurt yourself insanely.

[@user-wt4fm7gf1f]

Next video: how to make a new finger

[@william7881]

Great courses plus sponsored wendover and real life lore I think so thank you for supporting my favourite channels great courses

[@CeloMellow]

love your videossssssssss we can see all the work you put into them, keep it up

[@stephenrhodes5674]

This is awesome! I'm planning on becoming an engineer and everything you do is quite inspirational!

[@phroginator]

Next up on How to Make Everything: A Child

[@mariuscaderea8558]

Ohoo

[@mariuscaderea8558]

Maybe "how to make an accidend"... sorry, I mean "you"

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

Really easy. For some, too easy.

[@CarlosQ24]

9:15 You should go try growing a garden :D

[@williamsatterthwaite6063]

Great video, glad to know if the civilization ends I can still (probably) do astronomy. How much more difficult would it be to make a Newtonian design telescope? (using a concave mirror for the initial light collection) And that oiled wooden framing looks amazing, I wish mine was that fancy!

[@philgiglio7922]

FYI broken bits of glass are often thrown into a new batch of glass.

[@that_laughing_hyena]

speaker and tube amplifier from scratch ?

[@hashidatackey8758]

Yes, finally!

[@hashidatackey8758]

Telescope!

[@hashidatackey8758]

Lol I was first

[@SigmaTech]

One time my 7th grade Life Science teacher at Hale (Dr. Gros) assigned a class project to either make a microscope, telescope or periscope. Microscopes got the highest points followed by a telescope and lastly the periscope.

[@gokucrazy22]

i just found this channel and its amazing! just curious, have you ever read the book The Toaster Project? it reminds me of this but with a toaster!

[@omarrodriguez9009]

You are an extremely creative and smart man. I admire how you can pull off these proyects.

[@fredrikgit]

Can you make liquorice from scratch?

[@billystrange8300]

This guy is the best example of doing everything the wrong way, just to do the right way in the end.

[@JuggaloJD420]

really looking forward to seeing an update to this with some better lenses. it looks promising, (the walnut stain worked quite well, to bad im allergic to walnut oils)

[@Ouchie]

I expected that finger cut

[@sparkywolftail]

good job. You spent a long time working on this. you deserve more subd

[@Cloobornius]

So excited for this camera idea

[@winstondrivein]

Found my way over from king of random and Cody's Lab. Love the collaboration!!

[@zabbo1557]

make a watch

[@fravez]

Galileo approves

[@alexsantibanez9596]

Thank you for showing me this type of knowledge it opens many opportunities

[@DaddyGamerReviews]

Can't wait for you to nail the glass! It'd then be cool to see you go back and replace the glass for all the other projects!

[@MoFilmsHD]

Why did you not make the wood glue from scratch??? Good video though

[@htme]

I made animal hide glue before: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWnZaHSMib-jg9k Which was frequently used as a wood glue. I didn't use it for this project though, because I ended up having a tight deadline and didn't want to risk losing a day because my glue didn't hold. I might do a series on making adhesives in the future though, since they'd be a useful supply to have. Making my own duct tape from scratch could be interesting.

[@MoFilmsHD]

How To Make Everything ok keep making good content

[@Che8t]

man, sorry you got hacked

[@yoissmee1244]

dude!! The slo-mo shots are awesome!!

[@superbee1233]

Your approach is clearly, the journey is the reward.

[@Rufeo0]

It might be easier to make a telescope with mirrors.

[@Rufeo0]

Yeah actually I do, do you? You might want to google it...

[@Eddieboy3385]

Adam Hill lol get his ass

[@HeyWelcomeToMyWorld]

He deleted the comment lol.

[@htme]

Once I get access to a source of a material to make a mirror, I'll definitely be making a reflecting telescope.

[@gowdsake7103]

CURVED mirrors !

[@SatyajitGhana7]

ouch

[@sammiller3062]

I have a walnut tree in my backyard and extract the pigment from the fermented hulls similar to how you do for the dye except I concentrate mine down and use it as pen ink for my fountain pen.

[@iamalongusername]

After watching about 20 of these videos, I really want Andy to be able to make clear glass! Don't give up!

[@Brodym2433]

Try to make a refracting telescope, YOU CAN DO IT!

[@eternalmiasma5586]

This is a refracting telescope, you mean a reflecting telescope?

[@roadboyssweden1711]

wow only 200 views

[@caseykreie1839]

Great video, as always. Can't wait for the day you create successful telescope. keep up the great videos.

[@AlbertWestra]

You know Andy, you are doing an awesome job! I have a thought that might also help you and also get your audience involved. How about setting up a PO box so people could try to send you raw material you would need?

[@jasonvong8718]

Rip he got hacked

[@tag_of_frank]

Grind glass with your bare hand? Why doesn't it shatter ?

[@checkitmug7448]

1 saw the formal suit one and it was really nice!

[@marcelo626able]

I like how Louis is like his sensei, always setting a new goal haha

[@milkdrinker7]

booo. you should make a video completely dedicated to *successfully* making clear glass to get my boo revoked.

[@theMoporter]

TheBlapman He's already said he's going to.

[@MorrowidAddic]

Makes you really think about the great inventions of history, and how long it took to craft the first versions of them.

[@JulianMakes]

wow i love your channel i love to make stuff too but this is superb! grinding your own lens for a newtonian scope would be really interesting, i'd love to do that, hmmmm...

[@GeoffBernard]

I really enjoyed the longer format of this video.

[@oryanastrophotography3450]

I've been here since 4k so glad at the amount you've grown

[@aidanwansbrough7495]

That looks like a really cool project!

[@jebowlin3879]

Whether it worked or not, that telescope is a beautiful piece of rustic woodwork, nice work

[@mjlombardo04]

the camera idea sounds amazing

[@thefarmlifeinhd]

During the annealing process of glass, your forth was one with the the "slag" lol. Interesting how its at the end, rather on top as in most metals where it can be on top of the molten metal than generally is removed.

[@MiracleWinchester]

I’m so emotionally weak. After watching him make stuff for hours of video content on the channel, I’m falling in love.

[@NickMayers-rj9zn]

I'm just wondering, and this might sound stupid but could you take out the air bubbles from the glass by using a vacuum chamber using the same material as the crucible and make the lid transparent, this way you could put in the boiling hot crucible with molten glass into the vacuum chamber and take out the bubbles, granted the glass may solidify before taking out any good amount of air bubbles. just a thought.

[@dumky]

I'd be curious to see what planning you did ahead of construction. I'm sure you must have some kind of blueprint with focal distances. Maybe you could explain that in a future video?

[@mathewsimper20]

Hey I've never seen your videos untill today, I have subscribed. Very nice and original Chanel

[@barriekeith6224]

KZbin glitched itself, it doesn’t say he has 10 million subscribers.

[@BerryCherryXOX]

love this channel

[@A_Random_Rat]

This guy lives life on the edge

[@yushatak]

You're basically on the same journey that I'm on, but you started earlier - your content is bizarrely perfect for someone like me.

[@EpicUwU_]

YES!!! I asked to make a telescope in the Eyeglasses vid!

[@mrnickgallardo]

Keep it up! Great stuff bud.

[@ThePeteski1111]

5:07 lol, I made some of the parts in your water heater, Greetings from Canada