ATM A scope like Alice

[scud@inlandnet.net]

I've been planning my second telescope for awhile now, and I think 
I've decided to try making one like Alice, with whatever changes I 
can think of....my main question is this: is there any reason I 
couldn't make an 8" f/6 ? I want to make the mirror myself (first 
one) and though the f/6 would be easier...that aside, will this work 
well for planetary viewing and a little deep sky? I'm still new at 
this and unsure of all the effects the focal ratio has on 
performance. Thanks for your help, keep up the interesting posts! 

Jason