Who makes good mirrors in Australia

astropolak (Joe) · #1 29-08-2006, 07:29 PM

So..., who actually makes good mirrors in Australia?
I am looking at 15-16" f4.5.
I have built our house so I think it is not beyond me to build a truss Dobsonian.
I see some ridiculous prices on the net for ready built truss Dobs - it may actually be a rewarding project that could save me some money...and yes I already have the router, bench saw, router table etc...
I would hope that whoever grinds the mirrors can support the finished product with some verifiable claims and has the necessary test equipment.
Or should I just wait for the 16" GSO and hope that I will get better than average mirror with it, from what I have heard the mirror makers do not have a very good opinion of the GSO optics...(not entirely unexpected since they are forced to compete against them)

Joe

bird (Anthony Wesley) · #2 29-08-2006, 09:28 PM

Try Mark Suchting, Deep Sky Optics in Berowra.

Also a member on this forum.

cheers, Bird

Rodstar (Rod) · #3 30-08-2006, 08:56 PM

Yes, Joe, you would have met Mark Suchting at Kulnura last time. Great guy who I am sure would be keen to help you.

There are a few others in Australia as well that John Bambury (Ausastronomer) could direct you to who have made lots of mirrors in the past, and who may be able to help you.

matt · #4 31-08-2006, 06:06 PM

Definitely give Mark a call.

It's worth it just for the great conversation.

His reputation as a mirror maker speaks for itself.

gary · #5 02-09-2006, 12:50 AM

Hi Joe,

All I can do is iterate what previous posters have written.
Mark makes world class mirrors. See http://deepsky.cia.com.au/optics/

There wouldn't be too many star parties in Australia where you wouldn't find
one or more of Mark's mirrors in use.

See also recently on this forum
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ighlight=Texas
where Mark's mirrors were commissioned by some discerning customers in Texas.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place
Mount Kuring-Gai NSW 2080
Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Fax +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au