I am finally ready to install my 16" mirror into its new mirror box. I built it right along the lines of Krieg/Barry dob book. Is it better/safer to install the mirror into the cell and then put that assembly into the mirror box? Or is it better to install the cell into the box and then insert the mirror? does it matter? I'd really appreciate some input from those with some experience.
Installing a new mirror
Started by Falling-leif, 02/13/2007 05:08AM
Posted 02/13/2007 05:08AM
Opening Post
Posted 02/14/2007 12:12AM
#1
Leif Edmondson said:
I am finally ready to install my 16" mirror into its new mirror box. I built it right along the lines of Krieg/Barry dob book. Is it better/safer to install the mirror into the cell and then put that assembly into the mirror box? Or is it better to install the cell into the box and then insert the mirror? does it matter? I'd really appreciate some input from those with some experience.
Hi Leif,
It is definately better to install the cell into the mirror box without the mirror. If you have built everything according to "the book" and built it with 1/32nd clearance, it may be necessary to "shim" the outside of the mirror cell with some thin kydex, between the bolts, to get it as a nice snug fit. It would be almost impossible to hold the cell and shim it with the mirror in place. I have an 18" Obsession which I have done quite a bit of modification to and I found it infinitely easier to remove and refit the mirror cell without the mirror in it. In addition this significantly reduces the risk of damaging the mirror. The primary mirror should be the last thing that goes "on" or "in" the telescope. Dave Kriege actually ships the Obsessions with the primary mirror in a separate box and the installation instructions recommend installing the primary as "the last thing".
CS-John B
Funding Member
