Re: ATM Polishing, conflicting instructions

[Aplanatic@aol.com]

> I have just finished making my pitch lap and I am confused by conflicting
> instructions on how to polish. I know that there is more than one way to
> skin a cat, but these instructions depends on how the polishing process
> actually works:
> 
> Time:
> you should never polish for more than 15 minutes at a time – a polishing
> session should be at least 2 hours,
> 
> Noise:
> Stop when it start squeaking – when it starts squeaking is 
> when the
> polishing process is doing what it should do.
> 
> Votes on what is right?
> Goran La Palma

You're just trying to polish out the pits.  You're not trying to figure the mirror at this stage.

Polish with as much vigor as you can muster.  A 2-hour session will have about 8 times the effect of a 15-minute session.  Squeaking is good but the mirror will polish out just fine if the lap's not squeaking.  High, uniform drag is best.  Micro-facet with bridal veil material if the lap slides on the mirror.  Make sure the lap is in good contact.

Dave Rowe