Founder Focus
David M. Thomas, Sr.
Expert Machinist,
Telescope Fabricator,
Instrument Maker,
Tool and Die Specialist
David M. Thomas, Sr.
"Aritisan of Equipment -
Astronomical and Otherwise"
Expert Machinist,
Telescope Fabricator,
Instrument Maker,
Tool and Die Specialist
David M. Thomas, Sr.
"Aritisan of Equipment-
Astronomical and Otherwise"
The Master Builder
Thomas Tool & Die - Where Blueprints Come Alive
A singularly fundamental and indispensable partner in SRO’s construction was Thomas Tool & Die (TTD), Inc. The Sun Valley, CA company was a beehive of activity and major focal point for much of the effort in planning and production, especially with regard to the telescope’s tube among other components. TTD was formed by one of the Observatory’s founding members, Dave Thomas, Sr. who received formal education in the machine trades while attending the University of Southern California – USC.
Although many of the creations at TTD specialized in astronomy, that is not to say that space science application was the sole focus of the company’s output. It wasn’t. In fact TTD supplied a variety of industries with custom builds and creations. It welcomed discussion of interesting and unique challenges in fabrication for a wide range of applications. Meeting the design requirements of Stony Ridge Observatory was well suited to the capabilities of David Thomas and his facilities.
Historical Literature
By the 70s, a Specialization in Instrument Design
In the years following the SRO work, TTD found itself making so many astronomy-related devices that it had to remind customers that all manner of specialized work could be performed. While it was willing to build to customer-supplied specifications, TTD had access to its own stable of specialists fully capable of creating in-house designs to meet those needs, George Carroll being one such consultant.
Below are links to pages from a 1970’s TTD brochure, kindly supplied to SRO by John W. Briggs, curator of The Astronomical Lyceum. John is the steward of an original 5-inch solar spar telescope built at TTD by master telescope builder George Carroll. There is a 4-inch version of that telescope featured on page 3 of this 10-page promotional. Stony Ridge’s 30-inch Carroll telescope is shown on page 5.
