Puting out the feelers for a new scope

[cpoc]

Since visiting my parents down in Tassie and getting to use my dad's big Dobsonian... I've decided I'd like to upgrade from the telescope I inherited from my grandfather (an old Tasco model with the original wooden box.)... In my searches (so far)... I came across one retailers "specials" section in which two entries took my interest:

GSO 8" f/6, 1/12-wave, primary mirror - needs recoating - excellent $79.00 GSO 10" f/5, 1/12-wave, primary mirror - needs recoating - excellent $99.00
So my question would be... would they still be useable with primary mirrors that need recoating (I understand this may be impossible to know without seeing how "bad" they are)... and if I did need to get them recoated, how much is it likely to cost and where in Melbourne could I get it done?

Thanks for any help and I look forward to having me own "respectable" star gazer :)

[simmo]

Hello cpoc,

Maybe this will help,

If you go down to the atm and diy section of equipment and open it up there is a sticky about building your own mirrors. Might give you some idea of what's involved.

Rainwatcher also put up this link within that sticky. If you scroll down on this website you'll see a section about building your own reflector/newtonian scopes. Just have a browse around and you might find what you're looking for.

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/

Good luck
Simmo ;)

[cpoc]

Hi Simmo, thanks for the details... do I assume then that stating that the mirror needs recoating is effectively saying they are useless until recoated?

[The Mekon]

It is intersting that GSO scopes have not been around that long, and already these mirrors need re-coating!

[simmo]

Hey cpoc,

I really can't say as I don't think I've been in this game long or have any experience with refurbishing mirrors but hopefully someone else may be able to give you some better advice.

You could possibly put another heading in the atm + diy section outlining you need help to refurbish some mirrors or even contact the owners of the web site that I listed for a little more help.

Are you trying to build your own scope with these mirrors or are they part of an already built scope?

Cheers
Simmo ;)