Re: ATM Best Sources for Mirror Kits, Supplies

[Randy Johnson <randyj@nwlink.com>]

Hi Joe,

If you can skip the kits and go right to bulk purchases of raw materials I
think you will find the savings to your members buying in this sort of
cooperative arrangement outstanding.  Perhaps your club would be willing to
front the start up costs.  My guess is that for a 2-$300 dollar investment I
think you could lay in a sizable store of abrasive, pitch and polishing
compound.  Through United Lens I believe that our ATM group has been able to
keep the cost of 6" mirror blanks to just under $20. each and we are in turn
selling a kit with plaster tile tool,abrasives, etc. to our members for
about $30.

11:09 AM 8/9/97 -0400, Joe Sheppard wrote:
>Greetings All!
>
>Our local astronomy club has a new ATM division with around 30 people 
>participating in some way thus far.  From surveys at our first 
>three meeitngs I have discovered at least ten people serious about 
>grinding mirrors (a couple already have blanks and supplies).  I'd 
>like to know, based on your experiences, the best suppliers for 
>abrasives, mirror blanks/tools, pitch, etc.  Most of the mirrors will 
>be in the 8" or 10" range.  I was also intersted in a supplier that 
>would offer a discount if from 6 to 10 kits were ordered.  Thanks in 
>advance for your advice.
>
>Clear Skies,
>
>Joe Sheppard
>Atlanta Astronomy Club Board
>ATM Special Interest Group
>
>
>
>
>
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Randy Johnson                   Seattle, WA     
randyj@nwlink.com               randyj@radarinc.com                     
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