Re: ATM Re: atm-digest V1 #1582

[akelly <akelly@ghg.net>]

Hi Mel,

        Ten years ago we splurged on a dedicated fruit tree sprayer for
"hosing down" the Danciger 32.  It has had nothing in it but distilled
water for several years and continues to do the job nicely.
        I like the fireplace bellows pump idea..:).  We knew not to go the
air compressor route and we experimented with a shop-vac blower head before
determining it to be a good forced-air solution.  It has now served its
function very nicely for several years as well.
        I am the cleaner-upper of the 32" mirror and I must say it's still
a kick to stand *inside* a telescope with a water pump, an air blower, and
sundry supplies in hand, knowing that in just a few minutes the mirror will
be pristine and dry..:).  One of the very few positive things about living
in a high-humidity environment is that all the little water droplets can be
blown off of a mirror before they evaporate and leave their spotty
residue.  When we use this technique in West Texas we have to really
*hurry* <g>!

Al Kelly
--------------------------------------------------

Mel Bartels wrote:

> The pump up sprayer is a good idea - I have used a large fireplace
> bellows pump for many years.  It generates a lot of pressure and really
> blows dirt and dust off.  A long time ago in a previous life I tried an
> air compressor.  That was really bad.  Don't do that unless you wish to
> convince yourself to commit suicide.
>
> --
> Clear skies, Mel Bartels
> http://www.efn.org/~mbartels