Re: ATM Mirror Manufacturers

[Chuck Dethloff <telmor@teleport.com>]

Greg and others,

All of these opticians are capable of producing great optics. I can personally
endorse both Pegasus and Swayze optics, as I have used many mirrors from each
and they have all been at least as good as advertised. And both John Hall and
Steve Swazye are very dependable and reliable. Am not saying other opticians
mentioned below, or any others not mentioned, are not. Just have been very
happy with above opticians.

As to the 96% coatings. If you feel comfortable spending the extra money then
go ahead and do it. I agree with Mel that it is not the most important thing
that you can do to improve your scope, but I see no negative other than the
extra cost in doing so either. I do regularly use primary mirrors with 96%
coatings on them. Will you see the difference in two otherwise identical
systems side by side, one with 89% on the primary, one with 96% on the
primary?
Most likely not, but then the same could be said about other factors debated
ad-nauseam on this list. <g>

Chuck 


At 09:19 PM 9/7/98 -0500, Greg Furtman wrote: 
>
> I'm real close to ordering a 22" f5 mirror and making myself a truss tube
> dob. I've checked out Nova, Galaxy, Pegasus, & Swayze's web pages & prices.
> All seem like good firms producing a good product and their prices are very
> similar. My questions are: Should I go with the enhanced (96%) coatings?
> Should I go with a 1.5" or a 2" thickness?  And which company makes the best
> mirror? Or are they all about equal. This is a BIG  expendature for me and I
> want to make the best decision possible. Any input can be sent to me
directly
> unless you want the group to see it. Thanks. 
>
>
> Greg Furtman
> Furtman Woodwork & Design
> 27426 County Rd H
> Webster, WI  54893
> (715) 635-7928
> gfurtman@spacestar.net
>
> Custom woodworking, including cabinets, furniture,millwork, & telescope
> parts.