First post... jumping in the deep end? Melbourne DIY?

[cpoc]

Ok... I'll start with a preamble (feel free to skip to the next paragraph).
Basically my interest in astronomy has been rekindled through a number of things... one my dad has got himself a brand new telescope for which he will be building himself a sort of home observatory. In addition to this I recently picked up a magazine called "Sky at Night" which featured a cover disc with a DIY telescope (albeit this issue just tells you how to make the work bench you will be using to construct the telescope but it will get there). This then got me searching again for DIY instructions on making telescopes as I had come by mention of them once while learning how to build my DIY Movie Projector.

So I find myself pondering my options. I am aware that I can get a decent priced Telescope either second hand or through eBay (or have people had bad experiences with those sold on eBay). But after making my own projector I'm kind of keen to get into another impressive DIY project.

Price is a major issue as I am basically a sometimes employed actor and so the wallet is very anorexic most of the time. I am aware that going the DIY route can be a bit more expensive these days but that cost might not be so bad in as much as it is able to be spaced out over a few/many weeks/months.

So the question/s would be if I were to go the DIY path what sort of prices am I liable to be looking at for the primary mirror? I'd be interested in grinding it myself so I'm keen to know the cost of complete DIY versus perhaps a ready made mirror... Ideally I think I'd like to start at 10". I have noticed that the Astronomical Society of Victoria have guided sessions for making mirror's... they also mention that they can provide the materials "at cost" for members... does anyone know what this would come to? (I'm not sure they are doing 10" ones... I suspect a bit smaller.

On the other hand if I were to go for a premade... what would be the best option that sits between reasonably cheap but still able to make out good detail on the moon and perhaps (hopefully) be able to distinguish between some of the planets?

I appologise for the lack of terminology etc... it's been a long time since I gazed at the stars with any guidance (ahh the old family telescope )

Thanks for any help and I look forward to many nights of great star gazing.

Oh and I'm in Melbourne (Watsonia) so the closer to here for sourcing of items etc naturally the better

[Kokatha man]

Hi cpoc - actors and artists in general have much in common re affordability: but I think you'll need to do some real research re your own budget/affordability and costs. Retailers like Andrews in Sydney sell 10" dob newts for pretty darn low prices; but secondhand units come up on the market at costs often much below even these, and often with extras the owners have added (IIS has a trade section, there are a number of other Australian sites.)

These secondhand jobs are more often than not really good deals - if the scope's been looked after and isn't real old, chances are that the mirrors are fine and if everything else appears there and it's mechanically sound with a smooth operating mount then it is just about certainly a good scope!

I ground my own mirrors (6" and 8") many years ago: not many still do, but if that's your wish then the local AA in Melbourne is the place to enquire. New mirrors from retailers at low cost are, I think, one of the reasons that few still "grind their own" even if they want to make/put together the rest of the scope themselves - that and the fact that the Chinese mass-produced varieties are really quite reasonable optically.

Some members are quite scathing of eBay purchases; I'm not qualified to comment on that but feel that really, specialist amateur astronomy markets are better than any generic market-place. (in general)

Cheers, Darryl.

[rochler]

Howdoo,

Hmmm... if you are struggling financially then I wouldn't recommend making your own mirror first time around because you need to get a bit of gear together before you can even start. The only reason folks seem to grind their own is so that they *can* get a superior quality optic - it's not because it is cheaper. The advent of mass produced mirrors of reasonable quality makes it far cheaper to buy one ready made (but you can still build the rest of the scope & save some bux?)

I'm just about to embark on my own mirror (150mm to learn with) but it has taken me a while to scrounge all the necessary tools & materials together (blanks, grit, pitch, polish, lap mould, dental stone, glass mosaic tiles, spherometer, grinding pedestal & miscellaneous tools etc.)

By all means, if you're not in a hurry & can scrounge the stuff you need then go for it - you'll get a really fine mirror if you're prepared to put the hours in. But it won't be cheaper in the long run. The one advantage is that a lot of the stuff can be re-used if you intend to make more mirrors or bigger ones later?

Anyhow, good luck on your mission dude....

[rochler]

If you're keen to build your own, then you're probably better off to get a 'kit' from a supplier - they usually contain the mirror blank, tool, gauge, grinding & polishing materials, instructions etc. You can get a kit from:

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com....ccessories.htm

They also sell finished mirrors etc. Even if you don't want to build, you can get a good idea of the component prices.

Then compare that with ready built scopes (say a 8" or 10" or 12" dob) at your Melbourne Bintel for example, and you'll have an idea of where you want to go? A dob of those sizes will easily give you great views of Moon & planets etc. I've only got a 6" newt & I have no problems seeing stuff - the larger apertures are better for faint fuzzies & deep space, you don't need a large scope to start with (that comes later hahaha!)

But don't get one on eBay whatever you do. Unless you REALLY know your stuff you can get seriously burned 'coz there is just soooo much cr@p being flogged on eBay. Stick with reputable forums like this one, or reputable astro dealers.

Cheers, Fred...

PS. If you want a list of specific contacts for different materials etc. then PM me, I've been trawling the net for ages for my own research, so I can save you some time.

[cpoc]

Only just posted today and already some awesome advice.

Firstly thanks to Kokatha for your advice regarding the second hand deals.

Thanks rochler for the heads up regarding eBay purchases... I shall certainly look elsewhere from now.

Well things are certainly clearer re what I need to look into and what I can consider as a reasonable starting telescope.

I shall still consider grinding my own (mostly because I have a lot of spare time and I've grown a bit keen on DIY) But I am liking the idea of getting a good second hand telescope first and then perhaps looking into making my own (obviously larger ) later.

Thanks again for the advice... any more advice from anyone will be happily considered.