Re: ATM 12 micron blues

[UC007@aol.com]

With meticulously clean hands I take my index finger and smear the 12 micron
powder over the tool with just enough water to make a slippery feeling
coating on the surface of the tool. I then wet the mirror and shake off all
excess water and place it on the tool and begin light short strokes. Usually
there is a little too much water. Not to worry, the excess quickly squeezes
out and the grinding action commences. Resume 1/3 COC stroke. The feel of the
grind assuming you are nearly spherical is silky smooth. The smoothness
almost makes you think there is no grinding action, but you will notice the
wet becoming more milky as the grinding proceeds and more fine glass
particles enter the wet. Replenish the micron 12 at frequent intervals, again
using the finger to smooth the powder into a few sprinled drops of water. Be
careful not to let the mirror dry before reapplying it to the tool. A little
micon 12 aluminum oxide goes a very long way.   Good Luck,  Bill Fries,
Everglades Astronomical Association.