ATM Beginner's Questions

[chana@andr.UB.com (Allen Chan)]

Hi,

I am thinking about building my first scope, and would like 
some of your ATM opinions.  

        1. For medium size scope ( 8 - 12 inches ) are 
        the mirrors from the mirror shops, Nova, Galaxy et al.
        better than the mirrors in a off the self telescope?
        I am interested in excellent optics.  Could somebody
        rate the optical quality of the various mirror shops.
        Please dont start a flame war over this.

        2. The OTA must be around 20 lb for convience 
        and portablity reason.  What is the largest mirror
        that can be used in a Newtonian design?

        3. For a first ATM scope, should I even consider the 
        fancy Cassegrain designs or should stick with 
        a Newtonian design?

        4. This scope will be used primarily for planetary
        viewing since there is so much light pollution
        in my neck of the universe.

        5. I have a OLD three volume set of ATM books, I forget
        the name, but it is a collection of various article.
        I also have a copy of Texeria(sp) book.  How do the 
        newer book compare to these "classics".  What is 
        some recommended reading.


Thanks!

Allen Chan