ATM 10 inch f5.6 Polishing

[Ryan Hess <atmryan@excite.com>]

Hi everyone,

After a long move, I had several hundred email messages (37 pages) and I was
kicked off the list because me email limit was reached, and it was bouncing
the messages back.  Anyways, I have been working on my 10 inch mirror, and
was ready to start polishing.  I tried to make a lap by casting strips, but
*nothing* worked.  It always stuck to something and broke.  I tried this
twice with no luck, so I went to pouring a solid lap.  I cut the channels
using a 40W soldering iron.  I was working on hot pressing yesterday (for
several hours) with a huge no-contact area in the middle to show for it.  I
had to cut the channels several times, but still no contact in 30% zone to
center.  I have tried everything, including heavy weights and high temps. 
So, I just decided to start polishing.  Well, just as expected, it is
superficially polished everywhere but the center(working TOT).  Should I try
to keep polishing, or go to pressing?  Are there any tricks to pressing
**hard** laps?  I have been using Gugolz #73 softened with turpentine. 
Thanks,

Ryan Hess
Fellow ATM'er & Astrophotographer
----------------------------------------------------
Sky Object Software's Website: <http://www.tcfb.com/skyobj>
"You know you are addicted to amateur astronomy when your telescope weighs
more than you do!"





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