Re: Grinding a mirror vs buying complete



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"Dan" <mowcat@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:SUrIf.113267$5D5.476448@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I am beginning to think about building my own Newtonian. Is there a fairly
major saving in grinding one's own mirror vs purchasing a completed mirror
from one of the top makers?

Also, can anyone recommend a good book on making a Newtonian?

Thanks,
Dan


Hi Dan, I made my own figures on the cheap and found it a worthwhile experience. The learning curve
is steep and expert help is essential. I started with Neal Howard's "Standard Handbook of Telescope
Making" and the 3 volume" Amateur Telescope Maker" set. Kriege and Berry's "Making a Large
Dobsonian" was invaluable as some parameters have to be "thought in" from the start. It can be
cheaper than buying ready made optics but it takes a <looonnngg> time. Mine came out to better than
1/25 wave so I was well pleased. I won't be doing it again in the foreseeable future.
John Carruthers
http://mysite.freeserve.com/jc_atm/


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  • Re: Grinding a mirror vs buying complete
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