where to get primary mirror resurfaced in Melb?

[cpoc]

I am currently seriously considering purchasing a 10" dob, which I can get for about $110 but the primary mirror needs resurfacing. I was wondering if anyone knows of any good places in Melbourne to get this done and how much I would be looking at spending to get the 10" resurfaced?
Cheap but good quality is best of course but if you have a range of options I'd love to know of them.

Thanks in advance.

[bojan]

Maybe just good washing would do..
Mine is 32 years old, survived impact of secondary when it was dropped, and is still OK.

[cpoc]

Originally Posted by bojan

Maybe just good washing would do..
Mine is 32 years old, survived impact of secondary when it was dropped, and is still OK.

Thanks for that suggestion bojan, I actually asked the retailer if it was useable or not (ie did it really need to be recoated) the reply was that you really wouldn't be able to make out anything... but you could be right... it may just be dusty from being on the shop floor or perhaps some other issue.

I am leaning very heavily towards purchasing the scope and then dealing with the mirror situation when I see it... as $110 seems pretty reasonable, even if I do then have to get the mirror recoated... it just looks like it might be tough finding somewhere in Melbourne to get it coated... maybe I should check with the Victorian Astronomical Society?

[cpoc]

Ok... after a bit of searching I may have found a place to get mirror's recoated in Melbourne... they are http://www.astronomyalive.com.au/tel...cular-services has anyone used them before? I've sent an email request so hopefully will find out what the price will be (if they can indeed perform the task)... fingers crossed.

[toc (Tim)]

Im pretty sure Bintel would be able to do it. I know astro-optical supplies used to be able to do it, but Im not sure they have a store in Melbourne anymore.

[Satchmo]

He doesn't do a protective overcoat and uses some kind of equipment via his work for coating car parts ( as he explained in an email ) - good luck if you go down that path .

Originally Posted by cpoc

Ok... after a bit of searching I may have found a place to get mirror's recoated in Melbourne... they are http://www.astronomyalive.com.au/tel...cular-services has anyone used them before? I've sent an email request so hopefully will find out what the price will be (if they can indeed perform the task)... fingers crossed.

[bojan]

Hmm...

He says on the webpage:

• Stripping & custom premium quality re - aluminisation of telescope mirror
• Sizes capability to 16 inches aperture
• Using unique - "Single Optic process" where ONE optic is placed in the epicentre of the aluminisation chamber ONLY
• Silicone dioxide overcoating to ensure maximum service life

[Satchmo]

Sound like he has added overcoating.

I would be nervous about letting anyone without a solid professional background in optical coating strip the coating off my mirror.

[torana68 (Roger)]

dont do it! go to a professionsl (as in expert) as above .... once you add in the cost of the recoat/postage your going to be close to the cost of a new one, add it all up and see what you think. What brand is the $110 one?

[cpoc]

Originally Posted by torana68

dont do it! go to a professionsl (as in expert) as above .... once you add in the cost of the recoat/postage your going to be close to the cost of a new one, add it all up and see what you think. What brand is the $110 one?

The $110 is a GSO... but I'm now seriously just considering holding off, saving up some money and getting a first hand 10" (or at least keeping track of the trade section here for one )