What is the biggest telescope mirror that can be made at home?
People have done a 41.2 inch diameter mirror at home (seach for Hercules telescope on Google). I think they built a grinding machine, but they are large guys, and may have done it with sweat, beer, and a sub-diameter tool for quicker effect. I have heard of a 72 inch telescope project, but I doubt it has been finished. William Herschel made a 48 incher. Lord Rosse made a 72 inch one at Birr Castle. I doubt he made much himself While better aluminum coating is done in a vacuum chamber, most don”t have one at home. Dewey Burkes of Pasadena TX made his own 45 years ago, but only 17 inch diameter. There is a way to chemically coat any size mirror with silver metal, but it is messy, dangerous, and will not last as long as aluminum.
