Advice on building a telescope

cheers lads, Ill deffinatly check that book out.

Forgot to mention earlier - another source of mirror making supplies (glass, abrasive grits, polishing compounds, pitch etc.) is www.gotgrit.com/

I have used GotGrit extensively over the years and they are fast, reliable and cheaper (usually) than buying from the UK. GotGrit is run by an ATM, Tom Moulton, so he knows what he's talking about and offers good advice.

Phil.

brilliant, thanks a million

Jaysus, I thought it was madness to build your own first scope. you're going to try and make your own mirrors too!! :shock:

Far be it for a lazy sod like me to try and disuade you but I think the whole thing will be an exercise in frustration tbh

Again, while building the OTA isn't tehnically that difficult I imagine, I do know that in my case, my carpentry skills would not be up to the job of making the bits look attractive never mind within acceptable tolerances. As for grinding your own mirror!! :shock: Would you not at least dive in off the 3m board before you try the 10m diving board ie. make the OTA yourself and buy a premade mirror set.

I mean I applaud your enthusiasm but rather you than me. I'd give up after the first crooked cut piece of wood!

I never planned on grinding my own mirrors. When I get around to doing this it will definatly be with an off the shelf mirror set. As regards the rest I have a fair amount of workshop experience.