Where to get everything to start making my own mirror

jarvisx · #1 16-03-2009, 07:05 PM

Hi All

Anyone who can point me in the right direction? Blanks, grinding grit, polishing compunds, mirror testing etc, and then a place to have it coated. I prefer to get it all in australia.

GrahamL · #2 17-03-2009, 04:50 PM

welcome

try http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/

I think one of the sydney retailers is an agent regarding coating
somone may be able to point you to which one

good luck and enjoy your stay

jarvisx · #3 17-03-2009, 06:32 PM

Kind of reluctant to order from that place. It has the worst looking site ever

. Plus i emailed that place once and never got a reply. Looking for alternatives......

.

Rod · #4 17-03-2009, 07:08 PM

Hi,

If you don't mind traveling to Burwood, The ASV's Instrument making section supplies everything yo need (One member even does the coating). You just need to join the Astronomical Society of Victoria. Club members can then help you with testing etc.

The next meeting is this Saturday at 2.00. PM me if you need some more details.

Good Luck!

Rod.

Garyh · #5 18-03-2009, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jarvisx

Kind of reluctant to order from that place. It has the worst looking site ever

. Plus i emailed that place once and never got a reply. Looking for alternatives......

.

Give Mathew a ring as sometimes it can be hard getting him by email.
He sells everything including Rosin and all the grits etc thou the glass blanks are rather dear to buy.

cristian abarca · #6 21-03-2009, 10:04 AM

I agree with Rod the ASV has a pretty enthusiastic mirror and telescope making section and the materials and coating services are at cost price to members, not to mention their invaluable advice,

Cristian

Roger Davis · #7 27-03-2009, 01:35 PM

Yeah. come and join the ASV ATM'ers. Lots of fun for everyone! Lots of good advice! And an aluminsing tank which can scare you witless when you think of the vacuum within [10^-6 torr](if Ken will let you watch!). Then you can think of how much "zap" you need to vapourise the aluminium.
And learn the difference between, tar on the road and a real pitch lap and what rosin can do and how not to drop your 12" blank and break your toe!