[ATM] Optimal beginners mirror making project

["Richard Brodie" <richardbrodie@optusnet.com.au>]

I've well and truly started the rebuild of my no-name 8" dob into an all
Alu (and a little bit of stainless), Bartelized, compact scope.  So far
so good with the mirror cell nearing completion.  When I get the chance
will post some pics to show the design.
 
Anyway now that this project is going well, I'm starting to plan the
next one which will include making my own mirror.  The question is :
What is the optimal size, focal length, material (ie pyrex or plate) etc
for a first mirror project?  As I already have an 8" I would prefer
bigger, but it must have a very high chance of success.  If I understand
properly, the smaller the size the easier.  Would a 12", F5, plate glass
be too ambitious for a beginners project? Should I start with another 8"
or should I use pyrex instead of plate?  I doesn't matter too much if I
build an 8" mirror as I can then put the original scope back together
and sell it, but I am keen to get to a bigger apature.
I have a couple of mates who are also interested so we could split the
cost of some the equipment and do a mirror each.  I think doing this
with some-one else would help the project.
 
Regards
 
Richard


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