Ok... so I've been thinking a lot lately about getting a dobsonian telescope, price has been a bit of a challenge but I found one at Andrews
http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm that has my interest... it's a 10" but states the the mirror needs recoating... My enquiries locally suggest that I can get it recoated but it would cost me about $425 (this is a quote from (
http://www.astronomyalive.com.au)... whereas I believe there is a service available in NSW that could do it for around $295.
So... my question is, would anyone be willing to go to Andrews to see if they can have a look at this telescope and determine if it is worth buying... if it is would they be willing to see if they could remove the primary mirror (to take/post to the recoating group) and have Andrews post the tube to me?
Naturally I would pay for the scope and the recoating and postage (and may be able to spare a few dollars for the trouble). I was quoted $20 postage by Andrews so for me/my proxy to purchase that should be $110 then I guess the recoating at around $295 plus whatever postage cost... would have me spending around $425 (plus maybe another $20/40 to post the mirror)... so total of around $465... does this sound like a reasonable amount to pay for a 10" dob or would I be better off getting something else? Also would someone be willing to do all the running around to help me out?
I currently have an old Tasco telescope that my grandfather had, it's a simple refractor and I'd like to get something bigger (aperture fever I guess) so that I can really explore the night sky. Am I at least thinking the right way in terms of going for a dob with a decent aperture?