Re: [ATM] Mirrors

[Guy Brandenburg <gfbrandenburg@yahoo.com>]

I think that all of Mark's advice is excellent, even
if he spells it 'catalogue' and uses the plural verb
form when speaking of corporations... <g>
...I added a few comments.
Guy

--- Mark Holm <mdholm@telerama.com> wrote:

> Hi Chris,
> 
> Yes there are web pages, but honestly, the best
> introduction is still 
> found in books. 

Definitely true!

> Another, much more recent book is "*A Manual for
> Amateur Telescope 
> Making" by Karine and Jean-Marc Lecleire.  I haven't
> read it, so can not 
> voice an informed opinion.  Perhaps someone else can
> say whether it is 
> good.  I understand it is aimed at beginners.

Actually, beginners can use it, but it is at least as
advanced as Texereau! It think it is a very good
source, and has very specific details on strokes to
correct various problems when figuring.

> Willman-Bell also sell good quality mirror kits. 
> The only peculiarity is that they include two Pyrex
> blanks.  One of these is intended as a tool.   We
> can show you a better way to make tools, and you can
> save that very fine second piece of Pyrex for
> another mirror.  For some reason, W-B do not
> advertise the mirror kits online.  Ask for a copy of
> their paper catalogue.

You can also ask for their catalog, too. ;-)
You can purchase single blanks from them, too.
Willmann-Bell's delivery times are absolutely amazing.
I have never seen any company that comes close. I live
one state over, grant you, but if I call them on
Tuesday morning, then the item is at my house
Wednesday afternoon! And the shipping is $1.00 per
order if you live in the lower 48 states! (unless it
is very heavy)

> You can also buy a mirror blank from United Lens in
> Mass. or Newport Glass in Cal.  Newport also sells
> kits. You can buy the glass from one of these and
> then get the rest from gotgrit.com.  Run by an atm,
> gotgrit is a reputable business.  gotgrit also sells
> dental stone and tile for making a tile tool.

I think that United Lens has a minimum order size,
which may not make sense for a beginner. From what I
understand, from many sources, Newport is an absolute
nightmare as far as customer service is concerned.
 
> www.atmsite.org has a lot of online resources, but
> is not complete or organized for a beginner.
> 
> Others on the list can suggest other online
> resources.
> 
> -- 
> Mark Holm
> mdholm@telerama.com
> 
> 
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> ATM mailing list http://www.atmlist.net/
> 


=====
Guy  Brandenburg
Washington, DC
My home page:
http://home.earthlink.net/~gfbranden/GFB_Home_Page.html
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