I'm considering a venture into making a refractor scope (fraunhofer? doublet from Newport Glass). I'm still reading/collecting/reviewing telescope making documents and articles, but I've run into a little grey area. If I'm gonna jump into the wonderful world of glass grinding in a big way, where should I draw the line? I know this is all personal preference and stuff, but that's why I'm asking for guidance.

I've been considering making an 8" scope at about f/14. that seems to be Newports largest production kit run. Well, costs aside, (cuz I don't even want to go there, yet) are there technique or other technical grinding considerations that will arise with the differnce between an 8" refractor and a 10, or even 12 inch one? Keep in mind that I am prepared to make, house, and use a large scope with almost a ten foot focal length. So if i go for a larger diameter faster scope I can keep the length to the same range.

I would appreciate any feed back ya'll might have.
Thanks in advance.

• Size - bobmay - November 4, 2002 - 22:05 UTC
  • Yeah, what HE said. - danieldgj - November 5, 2002 - 03:02 UTC
• Tube length and flexion - danieldgj - November 5, 2002 - 02:58 UTC
• From the FL you mentioned... - slamhound - November 5, 2002 - 04:50 UTC
  • Aperture - danieldgj - November 6, 2002 - 01:01 UTC
• Now, see... - random - November 5, 2002 - 18:07 UTC