Re: [ATM] RE: Silicone Failure and usefulness of alcohol

["David Harbour" <scarab2@cox.net>]

OOPS!

Accidentally pushed the send button too soon.

Anything that shortens the time to build a good telescope will shorten the
quality of the instrument. I read this maxim (not in relation to building
telescopes, but something else) a long time ago: the quality of the results
varies in direct proportion to the amount of time expended in building it. I
spent 3,500 hours building my last telescope. That is the reason I never use
the grey stuff to mount a mirror.

No silicone in the telescope; but a fair amount of alcohol in the telescope
buiilder. Put the silicone in the trash (unless you take advantage of its
wonderful features to make channelled polishing lap molds, and put the
alcohol in yourself  (not too much; not enough to impair the work; just
enough to mellow you out).

(1): GE Silicone RTVE sealant: lap molds (won't stick to pitch).
(2): Alcohol: for the optician, to loosen him up a bit, keep him from being
too up tight.


 It works


Dave


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "ntent" <ntent@pctcnet.net>
To: "ATM List" <atm@atmlist.net>
Sent: Thursday, May 26, 2005 11:17 AM
Subject: [ATM] RE: Silicone Failure


> I'd definitely go with the two-part Silicone, and use their recommended
> surface prep recommendations... usually a good alcohol, not rubbing
> alcohol. Also, sometimes acetone is used, but I'd find out what the
> manufacturer would prefer.
>
> _______________________________________________
> ATM mailing list http://www.atmlist.net/
>


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