Hey all, I had an idea that could explain the time-frame issues with the building of the two Death Stars:
IT WAS A TRAP.
They built their first, "technological terror" to "keep the systems in line". It was to be their ultimate weapon. Unfortunately, one "young Rebel" spoiled their plans.
Now you're Palpy, and the you see that the Rebellion is growing stronger, plus there is a new Jedi on the block. You are trying not to lose the power you have gained. So much like in the old days, you manipulate the situation for your bidding....
You,
A. Start construction on a new Death Star, getting it to a rough skeleton.
B. Make sure that the Weapons systems are operational in a short amount of time.
C. Understaff the heck out of the project once B. happens, so your own men don't know what's going on.
D. See to it that the plans end up in the hands of the Bothans (kill a few too, so it all looks legitimate).
E. Show up yourself, so it will be an irresistable trap for the "insignificant rebellion."
You don't need to take nearly as long to build a Death Star that is designed as bait (and protected by a shield from Endor), as you do for "the ultimate weapon in the universe" that is designed to be safe from full scale bombardment.
*whew*
That’s what I think too. The Death Star in ANH is pretty weathered looking. It definitely could have been finished 3-4 years after ROTS. They probably used it many times before ANH and noone realized the blasts were coming from “a small moon”. There also might not have been a reason to demonstrate it’s power until then. I also doubt the Death Star is capable of hyperspace jumps. I’d like to see a map of the galaxy and see how far Mustafar is from Alderaan. It could have taken a few years to pilot that thing across the galaxy.