Microscope construction:

Here are some pictures of the finished microscope.

Materials List:

part A - pine - 5" x 2 1/2" x 3/4"

part B - plywood - 5" x 5" x 1/2"
part C - pine - 4 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 3/4"
part D - pine - 5" x 2 1/2" x 3/4"
part E - 3/4" PVC pipe 6 5/16" long (purchased at plumbing supply stores)
6 wood screws: #6 x 1 1/4"
10X eyepiece
4X (or 10X) objective lens

Instructions:
To make the microscope body:
1. Cut out parts according to parts list.
2. Drill a 1 1/16" hole in part A to hold PVC barrel of microscope.
3. Drill 6 screw holes in part A and part D as shown on diagram.
(These holes should be slightly larger than the diameter of the screws.)
4. Screw the microscope body together.
To make the microscope barrel:
1. Cut the PVC pipe to 160 mm. Microscope lenses are designed to work at this
distance apart.
2. Ream out one end of the microscope barrel with a 15/16" drill. If this is done
carefully with a drill press, the eyepiece will fit snugly into the microscope
barrel.
3. Place the objective lens in the other end of the microscope barrel. Depending
on the PVC pipe, the objective lens might fit very loosely, in which case the
lens must be taped in place. Or it might not fit at all, in which case, the PVC
pipe will have to be reamed out so the eyepiece fits. Then tape the eyepiece in
place.

4. Place the microscope barrel in the hole you cut in part A. It should fit
snuggly enough so that the microscope barrel can be raised and lowered by
twisting and pushing it up or down. If the hole is too large, place a small piece
of paper between the wood and the microscope barrel.
Here are some technical drawings of the finished microscope.