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What would a home made primary mirror cost me?
Not considering the value of my time, could I hand make a good 8 inch primary mirror (for Newtonian telescope) for less than 100 bucks? This estimate would include all necessary tools along with the blank of course.
You should be able to buy one for less than you can make one. Although you can probably buy the mirror blank and the "tool" for less than 100 bucks, there are many more things you will need. Some include, abrasives, polish, pitch, pay someone to coat it, etc., etc.
In my opinion, it's cheaper to buy the optics already finished and then assemble everything...
When I built mine (circa 1975), it was cheaper to build than buy, but even then the difference wasn't that much. Even then, you did it more for the challenge than for the cost savings. I actually ruined two mirror blanks before finally getting it right, so I ended up spending more (or more accurately, my parents did), because of my difficulties.
It is a great sense of accomplishment though and something you will be very proud of, but I wouldn't set the expectation that you will save money.
Good luck and come back and let us know what you decided and how you are getting along with the project.
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