ATM atm first scope ( completed )

[Adams <adams@rmci.net>]

    I had previously attempted a 6"f/8. that never saw the aluminizer and 
has been long lost somewhere back in the mid 60's.  30 yrs. later i 
decided to try again. This time more determined i got ATM 1=3, and Berrys 
( building your own telescope). Although i understood little of what i 
read , i wasn't going to throw in the towell. I was not aware of this 
wonderful list at the time and after running into several major  
obsticles  decided to try and contact someone who could coach me. The 
local astronomy club could only refere me to one person in my area who 
might help. After several failed attempts to contact this person , i 
decided on a hunch to try to call an atm'er i had seen in an article of 
S+T, a Mr. G. seronick. I succeded in contacting Mr. Seronick and he 
informed me of the atm list. That was 1 year ago and the rest is history. 
    
    The scope is an 8 "f/8.dob.The mirror was completed 4 months ago and 
i first used a flat board to hold the cell, mirror, a pvc push/pull 
focuser and single vane  ( 5/16" stem) spider a la atm vol.1. I had no 
idea of how much better the scope would perform when coupled with a good 
spider,focuser, smaller diagonal,alum tube with flocking paper and a good 
dob. mount.I wasnt going to do all this at first but boy am i glad i did. 
The difference in performance is astounding. 

   A Mr. M. spooner recently posted to the effect, that a well made 8" 
newt. would supprise many 6" APO lovers. I own an Televue 5 1/2 "APO and 
in a side by side showdown i would say the 8 "rivals the T.V. in all 
areas ,except compactness and weight,(the 8" is eaiser to set up though)  
I was also able to compare the T.V. with a new zeiss 6"APO I give the 
zeiss just slightly higher marks than the T.V. but (for me) not high 
enough to justify the price difference. I guess im most impressed with 
the fact that a very good mirror telescope can be made by an every day 
joe at a fraction of the cost of an APO.    Although i really like the 
T.V.,the 8" is now my #1 scope thus far.   

 So all you lurkers, newbie's alike, if your thinking about building a 
first scope, my experience says you can do it, especially with the help 
offered at this list. 

    Many thanks G. Seronick and to all list members and especially to 
Scott Rychnovsky.

                        (  Adams@rmci.net )