Re: [ATM] machining telescope parts

[James P Crombie <jpcrombie@pei.eastlink.ca>]

Dave
 While it is possible to machine glass, it is a specialized operation 
using diamond cutting tools and probably not something to do on a hobby 
lathe.  It would be possible to set up a grinder on the crosslide to hog 
out the sagitta but its not very good for the machine and airborne glass 
is very hazardous to your health.  The eyepeice idea might be a little 
more practical,  using prefinished lenses from suplus places and 
machining the cells to hold them.
 You can start with smaller drills and work out to a size to allow a 
boring bar to do the rest of the work.  If this is your first forra into 
machining I would suggest a couple of beginner books on the use of the 
lathe., such as The Amater's Lathe by Sparey
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0852422881/qid=1090431977/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/104-2065655-5390305?v=glance&s=books&n=507846 


David Williams wrote:

> Hello list
>
> I have a 9X20 small metal and wood lathe and I wondered if I could 
> turn out mirror blanks this way or not.  I got it from Surplus Record 
> Store.  My 4 jaw chuck goes up to 5 or 6" but it is not self centering 
> so I would have to be really carefull about aligning it to the axis of 
> rotation. 
>
> Also I have been told that I can turn out housings for eyepieces this 
> way.  I think is would be cool to make 2" eyepieces this way.  Does 
> any body know where to buy the raw lenses from at a cheep price and 
> supply the diagram of where the spacing goes?  I'm new to this field.
>
> To make eyepieces would I have to use a large metal drill bit in the 
> tail stock to hollow out the casing for the piece?
>
> I'm new to machining.
> Thank you for your help.
> David Williams
> dwilliams1128@earthlink.net
> Bye
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>
>  
>

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