Re: ATM 1st mirror: 8

[Joshua White <mudge80@hotmail.com>]

>From: Shannon Hughes <sr.hughes@worldnet.att.net>
>Reply-To: Shannon Hughes <sr.hughes@worldnet.att.net>
>To: atm@shore.net
>Subject: ATM 1st mirror: 8" or 10"
>Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 21:20:14 -0400
>
>
>I am new to the ATM hobby and interested in making a mirror for a
>dobsonian telescope. I have been reading everything I can find on the
>web about mirror grinding, obtained copies of Berry's Build your own
>telescope and Texereau's How to make a telescope from the library and I
>just joined this ATM list today. Luckily I found a local ATM astronomy
>group yesterday and learned the group meets every Wednesday to work on
>projects. I am trying to make a decision between a 8" F/6 and a 10" F/6.
>My wife and I like the deep space objects so a 10" is more attractive
>but I am hesitating on the 10" since Richard Berry specifically
>mentioned starting out with a 8" vs the 10" due to the increased
>difficulty of figuring but I don't want to discredit the opportunity of
>having good testing equipment and coaching by my side with our local ATM
>group which may be a big enough advantage to choosing the 10".... hoping
>for some advice from veterans on that last comment :)
>Is there enough difference between the two mirrors that a beginner
>should start with an 8" for a first mirror? Anyone out there start with
>a 10"? Advice, success stories or even bad experiences would be most
>appreciated. Thanks.
>
>--Shannon Hughes

        You sound just like me. Im also doing my first mirror (and telescope) and I 
decided to go with a 10". I also have those two books and I beleve that the 
authors are going on the belief that the ATM would only have the book to go 
on while building the scope. We both have resources and advice on the local 
level and this list. But to answer your question in the research I have done 
so far the main differences that I can see are grinding time, depth of 
curve, and perabolizing. All of which are greater or longer. I just think 
that as long as I research each step fully before doing the work I will be 
fine.
                                                Joshua White


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