Re: ATM Hogging with diamonds.

["Bob May" <bobmay@nethere.com>]

I did something similar on the 6" refractor that I'm doing.  Got a set of 3
wheels from HF for $10 and used the solid edge one for grinding to shape by
just holding it to the surface of the glass.  It tended to cut grooves a bit
even though it was laying on its side because the diamonds aren't that close
together.  A few moments with 120 grit quickly got the surface smooth and
spherical afterwords.
I will note that spinning the cutters will be better than the hand movements
with them tho.  I've got an 8" lapidary cutter and it cuts the glass liike
it was a good hardwood on a small saw.
The Peter Smith article on doing diamond turning is probably the best as he
makes a cupped wheel from the regular cutter and that allows for the tool to
be put on a long arm and swung over the glass to cut the excess away fast.
Bob May
http://nav.to/bobmay
bobmay@nethere.com
NEW! http://bobmay.astronomy.net