Mercury transit, stop down app?

Hello,
I am making my solar astro filter at this moment and it occured that I have read that less may be more. I have a 12"sct and was wondering if I should go off axis or if I am on the bubble of that point and could go all way. If I do make it off axis what size do I go with? 6" ?
Thanks, Brian and may there be clear skies for all tomorrow!

Methinks you should make the size that fits between your secondary and the corrector plate's retaining ring. This will also have the effect of pumping your f-stop up to crazy levels. Will you be using a reducer? If you have the chance try looking at the moon tonight through the stopped-down scope to see what I mean. Unless you have a computerized mount or an incredible grasp of your setting circles you might have a difficult time locating the contact points with such high magnification.
I broke down and bought a 4" refractor to augment my C11 for just this reason.

I'll be thinking about you tommorrow!!

Cheers,

Bryan

Well it was all for nothing :S
I was blocked out all day. Today is just pristine. My Cincinnati norm for astronomy.
Brian