Mirror kits - worth it?

[Jolanta Zofia Nowak]

I'm going mad trying to work out what might be the cheapest way to upgrade from my current, clapped out Celestron.

A nice, 8" beauty would fit the bill but the prices of anything decent are mostly beyond my range, even second hand (which I'm wary of in any case). I've recently come across some ads for mirror kits where basically you're supplied a pyrex blank and then, as they say, 'figure' it out for yourself...

Being fairly good at DIY (and with a spot of help from my OH) I'm tempted to try this.

Anyone had any experience of these kits?

[carlos_dfc]

Hi

I've never tried grinding my own mirror - but did read-up on it, and check prices etc...

If you do go down this route - I hope you realise what you're letting yourself in for - it is a LOT of work - very time-consuming.
And getting an accurate finish isn't easy - especially if it's your first try - a lot of checking, re-polishing involved if you don't get it pretty much spot-on first time (which, as a first-timer, you probably won't)

Bear in mind that you'll also need an oval-shaped optical 'flat' as a secondary (or do the kits supply those too)

Unless your finances are VERY tight, you could probably save for an 8" newtonian/Dobsonian quicker than you'd make one - check out the 'SkyWatcher' range, some very good prices.
They do a nice 8" Dobsonian for under £250

[Jolanta Zofia Nowak]

Originally Posted by carlos_dfc

Hi

I've never tried grinding my own mirror - but did read-up on it, and check prices etc...

If you do go down this route - I hope you realise what you're letting yourself in for - it is a LOT of work - very time-consuming.
And getting an accurate finish isn't easy - especially if it's your first try - a lot of checking, re-polishing involved if you don't get it pretty much spot-on first time (which, as a first-timer, you probably won't)

Bear in mind that you'll also need an oval-shaped optical 'flat' as a secondary (or do the kits supply those too)

Unless your finances are VERY tight, you could probably save for an 8" newtonian/Dobsonian quicker than you'd make one - check out the 'SkyWatcher' range, some very good prices.
They do a nice 8" Dobsonian for under £250

Yes, I've read up on it all. I'm really not sure I feel up to all the palaver.

Ye gods Carlos.... are we the only contributors on this forum??

[nightshade]

I ground lenses from glass blanks it is hard work and needs a lot of care
How to Use Mirrors and Lenses HW English

[Jolanta Zofia Nowak]

Originally Posted by nightshade

I ground lenses from glass blanks it is hard work and needs a lot of care
How to Use Mirrors and Lenses HW English

Ok, thanks for that. I think I'll give it a miss after all.