Re: ATM How thin is too thin?

[macaddicted <daviddesign@mac.com>]

>> I am planning to do the 8" first to learn proper technique and work out
> the
>> bugs (as I said in my other thread).
> 
> OK, if you want to encounter some of the same bugs that you will have with
> the 7/8" x 16", you should be doing it on 1/4" plate glass (actual thickness
> 0.20").  You will not encounter the problems of a thin glass if you are
> working a thick one.   Generally, the thickness scales up as the square of
> the diameter.
> 
>> Any advice you can give is appreciated.
> 
> I doubt that, but why not get the kid interested in telescope making instead
> of astronomy.  That skill is much more marketable!
> 
>> Thanks
> 
> I doubt that, too!
> 
> . . . Richard
> 
Richard,

Your response to my original post (newbie) is what led to this post.
Everyone was telling me that 7/8" glass is just fine, thank you very much.
What you said got me wondering, thus I turned back to the ATM list to ask
that specific question. It was not meant as an attack on you, or was I
trying to show I doubted the veracity of what you were saying. In fact, what
you said is backed by conventional wisdom.

The point is I have never done this before. I have always wanted to, and now
I have decided I am going to try. I know NOTHING about mirror grinding or
telescope construction so I have turned to those who have the knowledge I
need and are willing to share it.

I will readily admit that I am leaning towards buying the blanks from Dan,
but I have not made up my mind yet. I have a habit that has served me well
over the years- if I don't know about something I research it until I do
understand it. If there are people around who can help I ask them to help. I
may take their advice, I may not, but I NEVER disregard it out of hand.

I am sorry if this thread has offended you in some way, it was most
definitely not my intent.

Dave
Macaddicted

P.S.- As to my nephew, he and his family are busy with their lives. If he
sees me working a blank and says he would like to try I will gladly help
him. But I have not and will never force my interests on him.