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first post, first mirror
Newby Hamish here, I guess this fits in DIY mirror to a certain extent:
I've bought a cheap 8" F4 mirror on aliexpress for $94 and am planning to do 3 things:
1. set it up for a star test to see if it looks ok; and
2. build a mirror test rig to learn ronchi testing and attempt to diagnose any shortcomings.
3. if defects, strip the aluminium and try refiguring it (have bought pitch and Cerium oxide).
4. retest, rinse and repeat steps 2-4.
5. get it realuminized.
I'm in Nelson, NZ. Is anyone nearby who would be willing to assist or have a look to critique mirror/test results?
Any tips on figuring and for where and how expensive aluminizing an 8" mirror is likely to be? (Stephen, where did you get your big mirrors aluminized, and how many $?)
my aims are twofold:
1. get a decent 8" mirror for first scope (planning old school dobsonian tube/mount for quick and easy construction. Maybe in future build a truss for compact/lightweight but we have a big van.).
2. get some experience with figuring, with a view to taking on a future bigger diameter mirror project (16" or maybe bigger - I see Stephen still has 22" for sale but this seems like a lot of glass to take on!).
wishing dark skies to all!
Hamish
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