RE: ATM 8" Progress

[kf <kevin@aquilagroup.com>]

Anthony...
I just flat out appologize.  The wording and tone of previous message was not what I 
ordinarly strive for. No one will blame you if you have Cardinal Biggols torture me with 
the comfy pillows.
(that's more "Spanish Inquisition" humor for those scratching thier heads)

I  wet out a couple layers of glass cloth (with epoxy) on top of the plaster, lay the 
tile 
on while that is still fresh, and press with weighted blank or plywood disk while it 
cures.  I do this because I (probably needlessly) worry that plaster might crumble under 
tiles, and it serves to very effectivly water proof the top of the disk.  It might also 
result in a more even top surface, 
as the uncured composite allows the tiles to "float" a bit to conform to the surface used 
for
pressing. I've done this on all (only three) tile tools I've made, so never really 
thought what
sort of surface another technique might give. I have also used unglazed porcelean tiles 
exclusivly, and I note that these are perhaps not as lumpy or pincushion shaped as some 
other types.

Certainly pre-grinding the tiles before launching into agressive generating strokes can't 
hurt
the mirror.

-Kevin Ferguson
Who wasn't frustrated with his email software when he authored _this_ message, but is 
still
trying to find the GD "unsend" button.