Re: [ATM] 20" Mirror

["Mel Bartels" <mbartels@bbastrodesigns.com>]

> Yet some people operate on "strange" principles. Mel Bartels for example
> (in
> my opinion), Jerry is very likely one of (compare his: "but I must make a

I don't think I operate on strange principles, but maybe I do operate on
different principles.

I take the approach (backed up by decades of mirror making and teaching
classes) that mirror making is relatively easy, and that there is no reason
why anyone shouldn't produce a successful mirror on the first try.  Yes, my
first mirror was a thin 24 inch pyrex, the second mirror a thin 16 inch
plate glass (because that's what I could get my hands on).  Both turned out
very satisfactorily.

I don't see much difference between a 16 inch and a 6 inch, and I think
someone is as likely to be successful with a 16 inch as with a 6 inch.

When I grind a mirror, and when I teach a class, I have two purposes in
mind.  First, to complete the mirror, and second, to understand the mirror
making process.  Success and satisfaction come from achieving both purposes.

Without making this a gigantic exposition, mirror makers fail in four
principal ways.  First, they don't know the recipe for grinding a mirror,
secondly, they don't test thoroughly at each stage of the recipe, thirdly,
they don't understand the mechanics of the recipe, and finally, they get
talked out of their heart's desire.

When a prospective student comes to me and says something along the lines
of, "Do I HAVE to do a 6 inch?  I really want to do a 10 inch, or 16 inch,
or whatever".  The relieved and joyful looks on his face when I say "Yes,
BUT you MUST learn the recipe very well, you MUST spend time, and you MUST
be thorough in your testing at each stage of the recipe", tell me I'm doing
the right thing.

The larger the starting mirror, the more the student needs to read every
book in the literature (glancing at my book shelf, I see about a dozen books
that should be read through and studied thoroughly), talk to as many mirror
makers as possible, and go over every stage and every test.  Alternatively,
the student can learn from taking a class or procuring a mentor, but the
teacher or mentor needs to be present and needs to teach at every stage of
the recipe.  But then, this is what I wish every mirror maker would do,
regardless of starting mirror size.

Mirror making is relatively easy and there is no reason why the first timer
cannot be successful.  But because the recipe works its way through several
stages, and because each stage depends on the success of the previous stage,
you've got to know what you're doing, either through upfront study, or
through a class or mentor.

Mel Bartels

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