Re: [ATM] best book to learn mirror making?

[Mike Lockwood <melockwo@uiuc.edu>]

Hi,

In my work, I find that Texereau's book is an excellent reference. 
His statements on figuring are generally wise, but conservative.  For 
someone who plans to make a few mirrors, that book is a good start, so 
long as that person knows the more modern techniques, especially 
regarding tile tools and modern pitch lap making (pour, then channel).

For the more serious mirror maker, Texereau is conservative especially 
in regards to large and fast mirrors.  While these mirrors are not 
easy to make well, they are not impossible, as Texereau seems to 
imply.  Texereau also does not talk about machine work.

In my opinion, the three ATM volumes are very valuable for someone 
that has made a few mirrors and is anxious to know more or do 
different things.  They highlight other techniques for lens makers 
that are quite valuable.  Also, there are some hidden treasures in 
each volume.

If you're really serious, the BEST book on mirror making is the one 
that you write yourself.

After you know the basics (learned from books and making a 6" or 8" 
mirror first), you must find out what techniques (for grinding, 
polishing, and figuring) work best for you and master them.  Learning 
to judge pitch hardness and match it to a particular task or to modify 
your technique to make a lap work for the task are invaluable skills 
that no book will teach you.  The other is learning to do dependable, 
accurate testing.  These are learned by experience and sheer persistence.

	Mike Lockwood


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