How can I build my own Reflector Telescope?
What materials should I use?
Is there any special type of mirror to use, or just a normal mirror?
How much will it coast?
How big should I make it?
Where can I get a mount to hold the eye piece?
What size aperture?
Etc.?
I have a general idea, I can use a large piece of 8 inch diameter PVC pipe and just a small, regular mirror at the bottom. But that is just a start and a basic idea. Maybe someone else can steer me in the right direction with some better ideas.
You can't use a regular mirror for a reflector for two reasons.
1. The mirror needs to be curved parabolically, not flat. A flat mirror won't focus the light. You can buy a pre-made parabolic mirror, or grind one from glass and have it coated (fairly challenging).
2. A regular mirror has the reflective coating on the back of the glass. For astronomy purposes, the mirrors need to be coated on the front. Otherwise you'll get two reflections which interfere with the image.
Instead of PVC, you cardboard sonotube (used for casting concrete columns...find it at the hardware store). That will make your scope light. PVC is too heavy and difficult to paint the inside black to eliminate unwanted reflections.
6 to 10 inches is good place to start. It all depends on how big of a primary mirror you obtain and how much you can spend. If you're grinding, you'll want to start small.
You can find the mirror from sources in the back of the major astronomy magazines.
You can find various parts from sources such as Orion.
These days, it usually cheaper just to buy. Mass market dobs have driven down their price considerably, so it's unlikely you'll save money by building your own. The only way to really save money is to grind your own large mirror, but that's an incredible task.
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