Go Back   IceInSpace > Equipment > ATM and DIY Projects

Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread
  #1  
Old 05-02-2021, 07:53 PM
Dermy (Dave)
Registered User

Dermy is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: ACT
Posts: 1
Mirror aluminising - what are our options in Australia

Good evening all,

New to the forum, and new to the ATM scene. I've found myself with a 12.5" f/5 and an 8" f/7. The 8" definitely needs recoating, and the 12.5" will need it in the next couple of years.

I've been pointed at Saintech, and will ask them about prices.

What are our options for vendors to re-aluminise mirrors?

Cheers!

Dermy
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 06-02-2021, 06:14 AM
mura_gadi's Avatar
mura_gadi (Steve)
SpeakingB4Thinking

mura_gadi is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Canberra
Posts: 829
Hello,

I posted yesterday in ATM section about Saintech, the other option may be A.E.C in SA. they also offered mirror coating services at one stage. Saintech may still be operating, with or without Wayne as the owner operator, Wayne has the knowledge, that's why I contacted him prior to Covid about his services.


Steve
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 06-02-2021, 07:57 AM
m11 (Mel)
Registered User

m11 is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 575
Wayne recoated a 12inch mirror for me in August of last year.
The company is called Palmway Optical now

https://palmwayoptical.com/
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 06-02-2021, 09:08 AM
fsphotography (Frank)
Registered User

fsphotography is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: geelong
Posts: 60
Longman optics in Tasmania. Very competitive on price.


Frank.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 06-02-2021, 09:15 AM
Stefan Buda
Registered User

Stefan Buda is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Posts: 823
I can do the 8" for you if you can't find anyone suitable. I coat my own mirrors up to 10" and if someone approaches me I help if I can.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 26-05-2021, 11:41 AM
legswilly (Werner)
Registered User

legswilly is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Wauchope, NSW, Australia
Posts: 47
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stefan Buda View Post
I can do the 8" for you if you can't find anyone suitable. I coat my own mirrors up to 10" and if someone approaches me I help if I can.

What do you coat your mirrors with? You put a protective coating on your mirrors and what is it?
I am looking into mirror coating using silver nitrate. Now I am looking for protective coating.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26-05-2021, 01:27 PM
Stefan Buda
Registered User

Stefan Buda is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Posts: 823
I evaporate aluminium followed by half wave thickness of silicon monoxide for protection. The silicon monoxide turns to silicon dioxide (quartz) after exposure to atmospheric oxygen. Reflectivity is 90% and does not deteriorate as in the case of unprotected aluminium.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 26-05-2021, 07:47 PM
legswilly (Werner)
Registered User

legswilly is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Wauchope, NSW, Australia
Posts: 47
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stefan Buda View Post
I evaporate aluminium followed by half wave thickness of silicon monoxide for protection. The silicon monoxide turns to silicon dioxide (quartz) after exposure to atmospheric oxygen. Reflectivity is 90% and does not deteriorate as in the case of unprotected aluminium.

Can't do that myself. Can only do silver coating. There is coating I can apply myself from Angel gilding in the US called Angel Guard. I might not be able to import it, so I am looking here. I wear glasses and I get the lenses coated so they don't scratch (as much). There might be something that I can apply to the silver coating.


Your coating is done under vacuum. Did you build it yourself?
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 27-05-2021, 10:48 AM
Stefan Buda
Registered User

Stefan Buda is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Posts: 823
Quote:
Originally Posted by legswilly View Post
There might be something that I can apply to the silver coating.


Your coating is done under vacuum. Did you build it yourself?
Silver can be protected the same way as aluminium, but the silver should be evaporated rather than chemically applied. Aluminium has higher reflectivity at the blue end of the spectrum.

I built my own high vacuum system.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 06-06-2021, 08:33 PM
davidcampbell
Registered User

davidcampbell is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 10
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stefan Buda View Post
I evaporate aluminium followed by half wave thickness of silicon monoxide for protection. The silicon monoxide turns to silicon dioxide (quartz) after exposure to atmospheric oxygen. Reflectivity is 90% and does not deteriorate as in the case of unprotected aluminium.
Stefan,

I have a tiny flat front surface mirror on a bath interferometer I made that needs recoating.
Would you be able to recoat it next time you are doing a bigger mirror?
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 06-06-2021, 09:57 PM
Stefan Buda
Registered User

Stefan Buda is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Posts: 823
Quote:
Originally Posted by davidcampbell View Post
Stefan,

I have a tiny flat front surface mirror on a bath interferometer I made that needs recoating.
Would you be able to recoat it next time you are doing a bigger mirror?
That should be no problem, but why don't you just rip apart an old DVD drive, as most of them contain at least one small front surface mirror. It doesn't need to be more than 4mm wide.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 07-06-2021, 07:33 PM
davidcampbell
Registered User

davidcampbell is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 10
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stefan Buda View Post
That should be no problem, but why don't you just rip apart an old DVD drive, as most of them contain at least one small front surface mirror. It doesn't need to be more than 4mm wide.
Ah good idea!
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 18-10-2021, 05:30 PM
Myrk511 (Kevin)
Registered User

Myrk511 is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Aspendale Gardens
Posts: 5
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stefan Buda View Post
I can do the 8" for you if you can't find anyone suitable. I coat my own mirrors up to 10" and if someone approaches me I help if I can.
Hi Stefan,

I’ve a 10” mirror that desperately needs recoating. I’d also love to learn about the process. Please PM when you have a chance.

Cheers! Kevin
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 29-01-2024, 08:44 AM
gunsworth (Geoff)
Registered User

gunsworth is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Tuncurry NSW
Posts: 6
Hi Dermy,

Wayne Sainty is your man.
Wayne re-coated my 16" primary and its secondary 9 years ago now.

These are still perfect (easily better than new because the original Meade coatings were rubbish.)
Get the "enhanced" coating, which is an additional protective layer of titanium.
This is worthwhile because it is extremely hard and it increases the optical reflectivity beyond just aluminum coated with silicon.

Wayne can tell you how to pack your mirror for transport.
https://palmwayoptical.com/

Cheers
Geoff
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 05-02-2024, 02:07 PM
Leo.G (Leo)
Registered User

Leo.G is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Lithgow, NSW, Australia
Posts: 426
On Packing I used a safe case I purchased on special from SuperCheap Auto when I sent my 8" primary and secondary to Wayne Sainty. His coatings are top notch and he seems like a really nice guy.
A lot of people build timber cases, the safe case with a custom cut (hacked) piece of high density foam kept my mirror safe for the journey both ways and the case could be cable tied for security through the postage process.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +10. The time is now 06:48 AM.

Powered by vBulletin Version 3.8.7 | Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Advertisement
Testar
Advertisement
Bintel
Advertisement