[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

Congrats Moh,

Your scope looks great and I am sure it will perform superbly, like all SDM's. I have followed its birth very closely in many telephone discussions with Peter.

I like them so much a have a second SDM nearing completion, a 10"/F5.3 with Suchting mirror (SDM #50). Having used all of the premium US scopes with the exception of Starstructure, I can tell you it doesn't get an better than an SDM. What I can also tell you is, having seen and used mirrors from just about all the premium US mirror makers and seen the good with the very bad, is that if I ever buy or build or have built, another telescope ever again (which isn't likely), I will only ever consider a mirror from Mark Suchting or Carl Zambuto on the basis there is only ever very very good and no bad.

I believe I am qualified to comment on the quality of an SDM because a lot of the design features unique to an SDM which you will not find on other scopes I helped Peter with. Things like the plywood light baffle for the upper cage assembly, the zippered light shroud etc etc. We can share the honours 50/50 on the Delrin split blocks. My SDM #33 was the first to have Delrin Split blocks, after much discussion on the problems associated with plywood split blocks and the fact that Delrin, whilst expensive, was easily machined and was probably a much better material as it was thermally and moisture stable, unlike plywood. The good thing about Peter is that he is always trying to improve his scopes and will always listen to ideas and suggestions and run up a sample. If they make for a better scope he will implement them. You will not find that level of dedication to building a high quality product from any other premium telescope manufacturer. To go with that he is an all round great bloke.

Cheers,
John B