When I was about 10-12 my dad had a concave mirror that believe came from a telescope of some sort. It was about 10” in diameter. He demonstrated that it worked much better as a death ray for green army men than a simple magnifying glass. It broke a few years later. I would like to purchase another one. But I don’t know what I should look for as far as getting one that will do what I want. The focal length, if that is the right term, was about a foot from the mirror if I recall. It was close enough to let you hold what you were melting/burning but also keep your hands out of the way of the mirror. I would like one about 10” in diameter also I think, it seemed like a good size. I am also not terribly rich. So where should I look (science supply store?) and what specs do I need to look for?
There’s one with some minor flaws available on eBay for $10. Sounds perfect for playing around with.
Item # 140046940755
The mirror in the Edmund solar energy lab looks to be about the right size, and it’s cheap!
At 8X the cost, their solar furnace is spiffier looking.
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their solar furnace is spiffier looking.
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Lol. Disadvantages - Doesn’t work at night.
That’s okay I have a lunar furnace for nights.