Re: [ATM] best book to learn mirror making?

["Stuart Hutchins" <stuart452@earthlink.net>]

Justin,

Congratulations!  You passed your first test by realizing that good books
contain more information, and better organized, than websites.  Books are
the place to start, websites provide supplemental, sometimes newer, often
contradictory information, as different people work out different
techniques.  Of course we all love surfing the web.

Experience seems to show that you will arrive at a quality 16 inch mirror
more quickly by making three mirrors, such as 6, 10, and then 16.  This is
because you will likely make the 16 two or three times if you start with it
first, and you will save time by learning on smaller ones with longer
f-ratio.

Having said that, for apertures 12 inch and up, two books I've read stand
out:
For mechanics (tube and mount) Kriege andBerry, The Dobsonian Telescope, pub
Willmann-Bell.
For optics, Texereau is the long established standard, but the updated
successor is Karine and Jean-Marc Lecleire, Manual For Amateur Telescope
Makers, pub also by Willmann-Bell.

Building instruments can be very satisfying and educational.  Be prepared
for work!

Stuart

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Justin Morgan" <Justin.Morgan@watchmark.com>
To: "ATM" <atm@atmlist.net>
Sent: Friday, October 15, 2004 12:51 PM
Subject: [ATM] best book to learn mirror making?


Hello ATM-ers,

Although I've been into astronomy for a while, the "aperature fever" bug
has bitten and I'm looking into building my own scope.  I'm a total
newbie when it comes to making a telescope.  As part of the getting
started process I've read the resources list to find out what books
discuss mirror making.

My question for the group is this:

In your opinion, which book is the best for someone just starting out
making his first telescope and mirror?  I'm considering making a mirror
in the 12"-16" range, in case that makes a difference.

"How to Make a Telescope" by Jean Texereau
-OR-
"Making Your Own Telescope" by Allyn J. Thompson
-OR-
a different book not listed (which?)

Many thanks for any info!

Clear skies,

Justin Morgan
Bellevue, WA
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