ATM Grinding Benches

[Adam Perkins <scopeguru@yahoo.com>]

Hi Everyone,

I'm planning on grinding my next mirror (12.5" f/6) on a bench similar
to the ones you may have seen John Dobson using at workshops.  Its a
bench about 4 feet long and the right height and width to straddle. 
The mirror or tool is kept from sliding off the end of the bench by two
cleats.  The glass must be constantly turned manually, as you can't
"circle the barrel" while seated.  

The idea of having a very rigid base (it is, in effect, connected to
you when you are sitting on it) that I can carry out to the yard for
the messy procees of rough grinding is very appealing.  Has anyone done
any grinding on this type of setup?  The archives are probably already
full of answers...

I'll plane the bench surface as flat as possible and pad it (probably
with newspaper or similar).  I'm a little concerned about any
preferential flexure always being aligned the same with my body as I
move to fine grinding and figuring (zones?).

Thanks 

Adam Perkins
Covington, Louisiana
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