Re: ATM 5 Micron or not 5 Micron?

[spooner@page.az.net (Michael Spooner)]

Mike Coslo wrote:
> 
>     I am almost finished with the fine grinding phase of a 12.5
> inch pyrex mirror.(my first) Everything is going well. I just
> finished the 9 micron wets, and I understand there is some
> contention regarding going to 5 micron or starting with the
> polishing stage after 9 microns. I am going to polish with CeO.
> 
> my questions are:
> 
>         1. Will skipping 5 micron wets add appreciably to the
> polishing times?
> 
>         2. What do/did you do?
> 
>         3. Pads or no pads?
> 
>     thanx,        - Mike -


Some feel that 5 micron increases the chance of scratching much more 
than the risk warrants for for any polishing time saved. I agree and 
usually polish from 12 micron (mostly because its the smallest I happen 
to have). If you decide to go for 5 micron, A couple of short wets will 
suffice and don't let it dry or thin out too much. CeO and pressure and 
speed will polish at rates that depend on the degree of these variables 
more than the difference between 9 and 5. I end up polishing so long 
during figuring the pits are the least of my worries. I've never used 
pads but have enough problems with roughness with pitch and CeO as it 
is. The archives should have lots of discussion on this subject.
Mike