RE: [ATM] Sleeks or scratches?

["David Grennan" <dave@webtreatz.com>]

<snipped>
> > Have you determined whether you have scratches or sleeks?
> >
> > Where was your Cerox from?

Hi Mike:)

I'm fairly certain from reading all the guys posts that we are talking about
sleeks here.  I can only see them in the right light.  When catch the light
just right, I can make them dance around the mirror by jiggling it just a
little.

As for the cerox.  I've no idea of its providence.  I was given it (and the
mirror kit) by a member of out astrosoc who never got around to making the
mirror.  It was almost certainly from a UK based supplier, probably
galvooptics or beacon hill.  Heres a point.  I know the cerox lay unopened
in its bag for over five years.  Does cerox have a shelf life?

I also know now from reading some more posts that I was waay too heavy
handed with it.  My mixture had the consistency of thicj cream.  Whereas I
understand from some posts it should be more like weak milk!!  Well thats
the great thing about ATM, your always learning.  I'm amazed I even got this
far!!


> >
> > Also, how hard is your pitch?  As others pointed out, contact is
> > important in preventing sleeks (if they are sleeks), and hard pitch can
> > make achieving and maintaining lap contact more difficult.


I suspect probably a little hard.  From start to finishing polishing I've
had to trim twice.  I suspect 3 or 4 times would be the norm for pitch of
the proper hardness, over the period of 6 hours polishing.  I've read and
understood the posts re flambeeing the lap :)  However before I do that I'd
like to clean off all the cerox which is encrusted on and between the
squares.  Would it be okay to use a soft new toothbrush for that purpose?  I
am tempted to rebuild the lap with new pitch, however this mirror is more
about learning the art of mirror making than the finished product.  I never
expected to make a world beater mirror on my first go anyway!  I'd rather
spend the time learning how to figure the mirror than making new laps!

> > In my experience, working by hand with hard and soft laps in reasonably
> > good contact, good quality Cerium Oxide will NOT sleek.
> >
> >     Mike Lockwood

I've tossed every grain of the old cerox out and ordered new stuff which I
will decant a couple of times before use.  I ordered a lot so that I dont
have to be too miserely with the decanting of it.

Thanks for your input.  You guys are amazing!

Dave Grennan.

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