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> Hello All!
>
> If I might make a few suggestions for an "easy" (well) pitch lap --
>
> 1) Heat mirror and tool 30 minutes in water pretty warm to the touch.
> 2) Begin heating Willman-Bell medium pitch. It should smoke slightly.
My Willman-Bell pitch was foamy (lots of air bubbles) at first, had to let it settle out for a good half-hour or so.
> 3) Remove tool, dry thoroughly, build masking tape dam 1/4-inch high.
> 4) Pour on pitch, spiraling from edge to center, thickest in center.
Melt enough pitch so you have some left. Keep the remainder warming on the stovetop (still warm enough to flow, but not too thin).
> 5) As soon as pitch stops trying to run take off tape.
>
Coat the mirror with CeriumOxide slurry. Pour a 'pancake' of melted pitch onto the center of the still-warm lap. Immediately place the mirror onto the lap and press. This results in much less pressing out to conform to the mirrors curve. It worked great for me.
Now, cut grooves.
Bob