ATM 1st mirror: 8" or 10"

[Shannon Hughes <sr.hughes@worldnet.att.net>]

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