Learn from the book- Understanding Foucault

[Matt Starwave (Paul)]

Having just read "Understanding Foucault" by David A Harbour the lesson I've learnt is buyin a good figured primary mirror. Otherwise a beginner can turn out several useless mirrors in a dobby building project and all that time wasted when astronomy is looking out there not grinding & polishing near useless mirrors that hardly worth having coated. All the tests & test equipment needed also. Unless one is going to learn how to made mirrors for long term career, buyin primary and secondaries. It annoys me reading many websites suggesting newbies can make a mirror worth looking thru first time around or even second time. Would put enthusiasm off. It is a skilled craft to get a good result. Worth the read this book and cost beggar all.

[Suzy]

Thanks Paul, though I'm not into mirror making, I always look forward to reading what people have to say from books they've read.
Perhaps one day I might tread this path- watched quite a few John Dobson documentaries where he teaches the art of this. What a great feeling it must be for those fortunate people that are able to make their own telescopes.

[MrB (Simon)]

It annoys me reading many websites suggesting newbies can make a mirror worth looking thru first time around or even second time. Would put enthusiasm off. It is a skilled craft to get a good result.

I was one of those newbies and I found the whole process quite easy and very enjoyable. It is obviously not for everyone.

[Matt Starwave (Paul)]

Well done Simon--you must a gift for the parabolic miracle. Actually the book
Understanding Foucult is almost a text book in how to produce a good mirror. But not for me. Not the patience or gear.