Re: ATM Amatuer vacuum coatings.

["Steve Krause" <KrauseS@deerpark.wednet.edu>]

>>> "Michael J. Coslo" <mjc5@psu.edu> 04/08/99 11:17AM >>>


>       You might also be interested in silvering the mirrors. This >process
>is easier, much less expensive, and doesn't have quite the >learning curve.
>It also involves chemistry, so the kids could get more of a
>multi-disciplinary approach. The silver doesn't last as long as an >aluminum
>coating, but with proper care (like don't cook eggs around it, and >don't set it up next 
>to a coal-fired power plant, the results can be >very nice.

>       - Mike -

I've thought of that, but I hope to get the kids grinding their own mirrors and keeping 
them.  I understand that silvering is harder to care for and doesn't last as long.  I 
don't want to get them into something that "might" be too much work later.

I also understand that the chemistry involves a level of toxicity that might be an issue 
in the school system.

We also have an ATM group in Spokane (17 mi south) that could make use of an aluminizing 
setup.  The most notable member of the group is Dan Baakan with his 42" Hercules scope.  
He transported the blank to L.A. for coating in his compact car!