RE: ATM 1st mirror: 8" or 10"

[Bob Prabowo <BOB@bahana.co.id>]

Hi Shannon,

IMHO, you can start with any size you want. Of course it will be easier
if you have made smaller mirror before, but still you can start with a
10" (or bigger) as your first mirror.

Right now I'm working on a 13" mirror. This is my second mirror BUT I
HAVE NOT finished the first one which is a 5.6", it's completely
polished but not figured yet. So in a way, this is my first figuring
experience.

And speak for myself, the most difficult part is figuring. Figuring HOW
TO figure the mirror is really difficult. I have to read the instruction
again and again and then trying to figure out what it really means,
trying to understand what the author is saying. That's the hardest part
and that's what I mean with figuring, figuring what the instructions
really mean:-)

IMO, since you have other ATMers nearby or an ATM club in your
neighborhood you should go with the size you really want, 10". If you
have problem with figuring, whether it's  figuring how to figure the
mirror or figuring the mirror, you can always ask them to show you how
to do it. That will make it easier. 
Prior experience with smaller mirror is important, but the good news is
it doesn't have to be your own experience, you can learn from other's
experience. 

Even if there's no other ATMers nearby (the closest ones to me are those
guys in Australia, which is thousands of miles due south) you have this
great list. The list members will help you and guide you through the
process. We're lucky to be in this list.
Just my 2 cents, that's 200 Rupiahs in our currency:-(

Bob P. Sumitro
Jakarta, Indonesia

visit my still-under-construction astronomy and telescope making page:
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Hall/2670/