Re: ATM beginner tool questions

[hermit <hermit@outofoptions.com>]

Quoting Bill Mitchell <astronutski@yahoo.com>:

>
> After lurking for three years and seeing all the fun situations you
> all work yourself into my curiosity got the better of me and I have
> ordered a 6" WB kit.  I want to make two mirrors out of the kit, an
> f/4.5 first, then an f/8.  I have a few questions before I begin
> though.
>
> 1) Is it practical to make a tile tool for a 6" blank?

Yes.  Two in fact.  Make the first one out of a single piece tile to do the
hogging and rough grind.  This will later be the base for the pitch lap.  Then
make a second one of the small tiles, using the generated curve as a mold.

> 2) Will the blank make good contact with the tiles during the chordal
> stroke?  I'm thinking there will likely be dead zones where there are
> no tiles close enough to the edge.  Will this be a problem?

Grind more, worry less.

> 3) Should I use something else to hog out and then pour the tool once
> I get the general curve going?

See above.

>
> Oh, and I am fully prepared to employ the famous "grind more worry
> less" phrase throughout, thanks Ken 8^)
>

See what happens when you don't read a post all the way through first? ;-)


Hermit
Holed up in Youngstown, Ohio