[ATM] The 16 inch Ultrathin project and a bit about the 15.5

[vorblesnak <vorblesnak@peak.org>]

I had hoped to get some moon shots when a small clear patched passed 
over today.  It was too small and too early so no pics for your 
viewing.  The scope and the camera are setup and ready if the chance 
presents itself.  I will do the ronchi work tomorrow afternoon and post 
tomorrow evening I hope.

I mounted the 15.5 on a back board using RTV adhesive.  My plan is to 
attack it with a sub-diameter lap and never touch the glass with my 
hands.  One question is if the RTV will hold it in such a way that it 
will only work as mirror attached to the back board.  It should be an 
interesting task.  I suspect at least 8 to 10 hours of work to make the 
surface regular.  As I get along in the process I will post some 
pictures of the glass on the backer and the associated ronchi.  There is 
a possibility that the problems are ground in, not polished in, and I 
will have to go back and fine grind to remove them.

David Davis
Toledo, OR 97391
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