12/12/2000 - Finder scope and eyepiece arrived today! I also went to Charlie's and put on the first coat of varnish. Lookin sweet. It may need as many as 3 coats.
Problem: Time. I hope the spider and secondary arrive soon! Need them to determine balance point not to mention collimation which will be tricky anyway. I should determine focuser position.
OK, focal length=47
Subtract from that half tube diameter 3.5", tube thickness .5", focuser ht. 3" eyepiece 1" so about 39" from surface of mirror.

12/14/2000 - Today I glued 3 furniture foot pads to the cell, then put 3 blobs of silicone adhesive on the cell in the countersunk holes I made, and placed the mirror on top!
I was worried about having too much clearance between support posts and glass, but when raised up on the pads, this doesn't appear to be an issue really. Just have to be careful next step not to get the adhesive on the mirror surface! Varnishing just about done. Still have to seal sides of bottom panel and prime/seal back of side bearings. Looks good! Now if only the spider and secondary would arrive...!

12/16/2000 - Tomorrow I need to get: 2 small bolts ~3/4" long for finder scope; 2 nice sturdy handles. Also want to touch up with varnish. I need that spider! Note: Order ahead of time from University Optics!
I put the side blobs of glue in the mirror cell. Had to clamp another caulk tip on the glue gun cuz the hole was too big. I was a little afraid the glue would get on the mirror surface but it didn't. Hope those pads won't absorb too much moisture. Should be OK. Tomorrow, well maybe Sunday I will attach finder scope! When mirror dries (Sunday) I can also determine focuser position. Getting down to the wire here!