Make own telescope?

[stephend]

About a million years ago I started building a 6" reflecting telescope. I abandoned this project after grinding the mirror but before polishing; it was too much for an unassisted teenager. Now I'd like to begin again.
Back then I bought the mirror grinding materials from a company called Esdailes, I think, and the kit cost $46.
Questions: Do people still do this or is it considered smarter just to buy a complete telescope? Who supplies mirror blanks and abrasives in Australia? Is mirror-grinding by hand still considered normal or should I build a grinding machine? Thanks in anticipation. Can't wait to get started. Most of the fixed stars have moved quite a bit since last time I tried this.

[Garyh]

Hi Stephend,
Welcome to IIS!
Give Mathew a call as he is a bit slow with the emails. Here`s a link to his site where you can find all you need to make your mirror plus heaps more.
http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/
I made my 6" newt and I am quiet happy with the final result though it was quiet a learning experience!!
Optically it kicks butt compared to your average bought 6"! The mirror took about 40-50hrs work to finish.
I have just purchased a 8" thin pyrex blank for my next project which shall get started next year.
Theres nothing more enjoyable than knowing that you have built yourself a top notch scope by your own hands!! :thumbsup:
Gary

[rmcpb]

It would be more "sensible" to buy your scope BUT it sure is a kick to actually use something you made. If you are into DIY then go ahead and make it, otherwise buying is very easy but not so satisfying for some.

[leon]

You probably can buy cheaper after purchasing all that is needed to make your own finished scope, however the satisfaction of making, and using the instrument that you built yourself would certainly out weigh the cost.

I have only recently sold my 8 inch reflector that i built back in the 1970's, and it was a beauty. ;)

Cheers Leon :thumbsup:

[Blue Skies]

I've already had a few words to say on the subject in this thread here: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=23060
But if the money is not an issue and you want the satisfaction of building a scope then go for it.

However mirrors are reasonably cheap and easy to get hold of these days (eg around $200 for an 8") and the quality isn't that bad so you might want to skip the messy grinding bit and jump to the putting the nuts and bolts together bit which is just as much fun in my opinion.

[Stevo69]

Hi Stephend. Been there, done that.:) 17 years ago I started building a 6" Newtonian. I also began grinding my own mirror, which I didn't complete. I ended up buying one and focusing my efforts on the rest of the scope. The scope lasted me many good years, and was my pride and joy. I certainly agree that building your own scope is a reward beyond description. Sometimes it's just as easy to buy the mirror and make the rest of the scope.

If you're handy with woodwork etc., and you think you could make the whole scope, but a bit hesitant when it comes to grinding the mirror, skip this task and go out and buy one complete and build the rest of it. No one will hold it against you. But once you look into mirror prices, you'll be tempted to 'up' the aperture and you'll end up looking at larger mirrors. I guarantee!

Failing that, if you just don't have the time or resources, go out and buy one a completed scope.

just a few thoughts..... good luck which ever path you choose. You'll find plenty of help on IIS.

hoo roo,
Steve

[cristian abarca]

Hi Stephend. It's not a question about being smarter to buy or to make, it's about the enjoyment of making something with your own hands. If you have the desire and will to make your own mirror/telescope then do it. If it's a question about saving money then you won't because Dobsonian telescopes are very cheap these days. I have made several myself, because I like making the mirrors and building telescopes. It's not for everyone but if you want to make one then by all means go right ahead. Just follow the link that Garyh gave in the previous post for the materials. Just beware of apperture fever.:thumbsup:

Cristian