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Michael Scherman

Horsehead Flame Tak FS128

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Posts Made By: Stephen Collett

July 4, 2006 04:51 PM Forum: Reflectors

Mirror transport

Posted By Stephen Collett
You do NOT want to put "optical paper" or anything else on the coated surface of the mirror.
I have always felt that transporting the mirror separately and inserting/removing it in the field is an invitation to disaster.
I always build a mirror box that can be covered and safely hold the mirror during transport.

July 6, 2006 12:58 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Proof that Maks outperfrom refractors

Posted By Stephen Collett
I'm waiting for proof that this thread has come to an end. There is no substitute for aperture.

July 26, 2006 02:06 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

New 4 vane currved spider for the 14.5" SM

Posted By Stephen Collett
Maybe wait 'til you get it, then post? I'm about to fiddle with my 12.5" cass again. I know I'll need to rebuild the upper to reduce vignetting, so I'm thinking (again) about curved vanes for my spider. Do you know what thickness ("guage") yours will use?

August 1, 2006 03:54 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Want an eye patch but need a cap?

Posted By Stephen Collett
Great idea, Floyd! What you need, though, is a prettier model.

August 6, 2006 08:36 AM Forum: Telescope Making

Tools Tools Tools

Posted By Stephen Collett
What about your lathe? Your palm sander? Your milling machine? Surely you've omitted several power tools that no scope builder could live without!!! Congratulations on your long Dob. Looks like a winner.

August 12, 2006 06:42 PM Forum: Telescope Making

It....Is....ALIVE!!

Posted By Stephen Collett
Very elegant!!! I suppose you've already discovered that you have some serious baffling issues at the upper end.

October 10, 2006 02:39 AM Forum: Telescope Making

Aaaackk!!! Astigmatism!!!!!

Posted By Stephen Collett
I've been there. When you rotate the primary and the astigmatism rotates with it, you are truly screwed. This resulted in a $400 refigure. When the secondary is to blame, I've always had to replace it!!
I use toothpicks to space my silicon glue-jobs, and I've always been able to extract them before the glue set up too much. Anxious to hear if this has fixed your problem.

November 11, 2006 11:31 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

127ED is ready for business!

Posted By Stephen Collett
Awesome setup, Floyd. I'm sure you'll want to replace that plastic focuser ASAP. Hope to be able to look through that 127 next weekent.

November 18, 2006 04:35 AM Forum: Telescope Making

Making Aluminum Altitude Rings

Posted By Stephen Collett
Actually, aluminum is a poor choice -- you'll need to coat the bearing curve with laminate anyway, or your teflon will quickly clog with aluminum oxide.
I've cut aluminum plate with a router. Now I know better.

November 23, 2006 07:49 PM Forum: Telescope Making

Ugly Telescope II

Posted By Stephen Collett
Ya gotta FOLD that dude, Kieth!!!

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