Re: ATM !! HELP!!! FIGURING HELP POLISHING!!!

[David McCarter <mccarterd@claven.fanshawec.on.ca>]

>   FOR GODS SAKE IF THERE IS A GRAIN OF HUMANESS
>IN YOUR HEART THEN HELP ME.

Geoff. I suspect that you are a teenager,
or if not then you are acting like one!

Not good for your stress level! Or Ours!

I responded to your first email, when you
began by dissing the accuracy of information
you "might" receive on this list.

That was just a week ago.

This is only your third or forth posting. I have
not seen any other query from you, polite or otherwise,
regarding the vageries of polishing and figuring. Maybe
you did, but I suggest that either your email bounced,
vaporized, or that as it is Easter people are not checking
their email and responding fast enough for you.

I don't wish to crucify you, but there are a few things that
must be said. Read on.

Most of the corrispondents on this list have made
mirrors to quality levels only dreamed of by the big
commercial boys. I can spend months carefully figuring a
mirror until the means to measure errors becomes the
limiting factor.

That takes TIME and PATIENCE.

You seem to have neither. Making a mirror is an excellent
way to learn.

Most of the corrispondants treat each other with humility
(sometimes) and RESPECT (almost always). You must do the same.

We Share techniques that have been tried and found worthy.
Where else are people willing to give freely of their time
and hard earned experience? Ever price out a consultant?

We Share ideas that might improve telescopes, and several
people then contribute further until the idea's potential
is realized. Sometimes things don't work, and then we, as
mature adults, rethink and try again.

There are VERY FEW ATM's who have made a perfect mirror the
first time. It can be a steep learning curve, more so if done
remotely. I personally have held the hands of a dozen or so
mirror makers while they learn "the stroke" for this or that
polishing action. Their first mirrors have come out within
1/15 wave or better. Why?

Because they respected their teacher, learned the fundamentals,
learned to use the tools, and took their time.

I think you need to slow down. It's not a race.

I think you need to appologise profusely to the kind people on
this list. They are some of the most knowledgeable and
supportive people on this world.

If you want them by your polishing table, either in person or
in spirit, you can do no less.

I have to drive many hours today to move my son back from
university. When I get back we can have a civil discourse about
polishing if you like. 

Dave