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

[Royston_Jeremy@emc.com]

Hello Justin,
	I learned mirror making from Texereau. There are nowadays much
better ways for making laps (see www.pitchlaps.com), and much better ways
for reducing the Foucault results (Six Tests and FigureXP mentioned in this
mail group). If you keep to his advice, you can't help but produce a good
mirror.
I'm a bit sceptical about making a 12-16 inch mirror as first attempt, in
spite of your "aperature (sic!) fever". Try an 8" to get used to the
technique.
I'm also very sceptical about the use of star tests while figuring a mirror.
You need very good seeing, a finished mount, and worst of all, it is very
difficult to interpret the images quantitatively. The Foucault test is also,
to a certain extent subjective, but you'll be must more certain to make a
1/8th wave mirror (unless it's faster than about f/5) than with diffraction
images which are difficult to quantify. The star test may be useful for
testing complete telescopes.
I'm conscious that not everybody will agree with these opinions.

Best wishes, Jerry 

-----Original Message-----
From: atm-bounces@atmlist.net [mailto:atm-bounces@atmlist.net] On Behalf Of
Justin Morgan
Sent: Freitag, 15. Oktober 2004 20:51
To: ATM
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
_______________________________________________
ATM mailing list http://www.atmlist.net/
_______________________________________________
ATM mailing list http://www.atmlist.net/