ATM - Tip for Beginning Glass Crackers

[Richard Schwartz <richas@idt.net>]

One of the most common disasters for beginners is banging the mirror
against something and chipping it due to careless handling.   This is
truly heartbreaking, and has motivated words by John Dobson about
"eternal woe for the rest of your life."   I have observed that 99% of
the time, the chip is on the edge of the mirror.

Therefore, when grinding the mirror, wrap the edge with a layer of
masking tape.  This will  soften any blow and reduce the chance of
knocking a chunk out of the glass.   The tape can fold over the back of
the mirror.    Take care to change the tape between grits as part of
your cleanup and prayers at the beginning of any work session.]

In fact it would not be a bad idea to apply this treatment to your
grinding tool-- especially if your tool is glass.   A lot of the edge
chipping problems are due to the mirror blank clanking against the tool,
sometimes while in transport to the local club meeting.  (I know this by
actual experience.)

. . . Richard