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Mark and Ed,
Some people enjoy the process of making a scope....to people with such interests and skills, I take my hat off to them.
However, the fact, notwithstanding Kriege's book having been out for so many years, that Obsession continues to sell hundreds of scopes every year tells me something....most people do not have the confidence, time, equipment, skills or experience (or any combination thereof) to get something like this made themselves. I have seen some beautiful ATM efforts in the last few years, but they are, realistically, thin on the ground.
In my case, even if I had the technical skills and equipment to do such job (which I simply do not have), I would not have the time with a busy family (3 kids) to embark upon such a job. It is hard enough keeping up with the loads of washing.... Most of the amateurs I know are in much the same position.
In relation to the quality of the end product, Peter's finely honed skills (having made many scopes already and therefore having learnt what works best) will produce a far superior product to anything most amateurs could dream of producing.
As to the issue of cost, I guess we all prioritise our money in different ways.....some pour their money into their home, their car(s), their boat, their business, their music collection etc etc. In the scheme of things, $10-12K for such an amazing scientific instrument is a small price to pay (IMO).
Mark, what do you think about people attempting to grind their own mirrors?
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