My telescope making progress

I am in the process of making a Rich Field Telescope (RFT) for the last 1.5 years. The mirror is almost ready (I would say 99% ready). Specs for the scope are 6" mirror diameter and planned focal ratio was 5. The actual focal length turned out to be 30.5" making the focal ratio 5.08 which is very close to what I had originally planned.

I did the rough and fine grinding and then came the part of making the pitch lap. That is a very messy and smelly process. Basically, I had to bring the pitch (in common language asphalt which is used to make the roads) to a boil and then poured it onto the tool used to grind the mirror. Finally, using Cerium Oxide (CeO) as the powder to polish, I did the polishing for approx. 10+ hours. Lastly was the figuring part. I think I have completed the figuring however, I need to test the mirror more. Our local astronomy club is hosting a ATM meet on 22nd Sept on Foucault testing. I hope to test and then subsequently complete the mirror.

I also have a partially completed 4" f/13 refractor. The achromatic lens is a Vixen sourced lens and the other parts are made from PVC pipes and other stuff from the local home depot store. I have dismantled the scope and hope to purchase a proper lens cell to complete the scope. With the superb lens that this is, I need to do some justice to it by having good components for the scope.

Also, one person from the local astronomy club recently donated a large collection of ATM supplies to the club which the club is selling at a discounted price. I have ordered a 12" diameter 2.5" thick Pyrex blank using which I intend to make a f/5 or f/6 Dobsonian. My current 6" scope would serve as a test for this 12" scope.

Finally, my long term plans also call for something around 10" f/8 or so scope which I intend to mount permanantly. I could scrap this plan if my refractor turns out to be a good scope in which case I would mount that. Currently scouting for a place to do the same.