mark h

Hi all,
I'm wondering if there are any scope makers out there? Stupid
question perhaps considering the amount of people on this group. I'm
thinking of possibly making my own telescope after reading various articles
on the net.

Image optics also sell a mirror kit for various size apertures at what seems
a reasonable price so it seems worth a go. So does anyone have any
comments?

Thanks, Mark

adam

There are plenty here and elsewhere. Try..
http://www.atmlist.net/
and varies Yahoo groups.

There is lots of advice available on making
mirrors - if you are motivated and patient, go for
it..

Adam


people on this group. I'm


size apertures at what seems

penphill

Hi Mark
The mirror discs and kits are fine from Image Optics, (and they also aluminise
your finished product at a reasonable cost) but having run a MM class for many
years I think their range of abrasives is a bit limited, sufficient but
limited. It's just that I personally like to change grades a bit more often, as
I feel it gives one a bit more flexibility.

If it's your first mirror and you have no advisor on hand then it might be best
to make a 150mm f8.4 as you can leave this spherical and it will still work OK.
It is also easier to test as you can see the bumps or hollows and polish them
away accordingly. (A spherical mirror appears flat when tested) It also means
your tester can be very simple; basically just a pinhole and a sliding razor
blade on a stand. You won't need a micrometer as a spere needs no zone
measurements etc.
If you want to make anything shorter than this (or larger in diameter) it will
need to be parabolized and that is another can of worms entirely if you have no
previous experience (although you might like the challenge!) For a 150mm the
Chance Pilkington discs that IO sell are quite suitable for a first mirror.
They both grind easily and take a good polish. For a bigger mirror though
choose one of the pyrex discs. If you are really serious about making a mirror,
get a copy of "How to make a Telescope" by Jean Texereau. It will tell you all
you need to know. Hope this helps
Best of luck.

Phil

stephen tonkin

http://astunit.com/tonkinsastro/atm/beginner.htm

Best,
Stephen

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clt

Hi Mark,

The oldest (and best imho) list has moved to http://www.atmlist.net

Clear Skies

Chuck Taylor
Do you observe the moon?
Try http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lunar-observing/
And the Lunar Picture of the Day http://www.lpod.org/
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