[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.