From: "Liviu Jurjica" 
To: 
Reply-To: "Liviu Jurjica" 


Hi all
as the subject line states; I'm new to this portal (forums); also hope to
build my own telescope. Currently I own a 5.1 Skywatcher (short tube) on an
EQ3 mount. I wish to upgrade to a larger scope; and after some reading on
the 'net I've decided to try my hand in making a 10" (mirror size)
scope. Now. QUESTIONS for all of you; gurus!
- 10" primary mirror; f/6 f/5 or f/4? I want to go ahead with night sky
photography (my old manual Nikon screams to be back in business)
- A cheap reliable source for mirror blank and kit (eventually I'll try to
salvage and use the second glass, build a plaster tool etc. more info will
be requested at later time)
- A good source for aluminizing the mirror
I am surviving on canadian soil, so local sources around Toronto area would
be preferable (unemployment doesn't pay too much here) is there any chance
my EQ3 will hold a tube of a 10" telescope without bending all over in
high winds? I realize I need to modify the clamps; but that looks like a
minimum investment. For a first posting, I guess this is enough. Thank you
all for suggestions. Regards
{at}

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