Re: [ATM] How long did it take you to make your mirror?

["Mel Bartels" <mbartels@bbastrodesigns.com>]

> 1)  I know no one tracks their time precisely, but how many hours did it
> take you to make your mirror, from course grinding to figuring?

My first mirror was a 24 inch, and it took lots of hours - every one them 
worth their weight in gold.

> 2)  Did your second mirror go quicker, slower or about the same?

Much quicker, and also not as satisfying.

> 3)  Does the grinding time increase exponentially as the mirror gets 
> bigger?

No, the grinding times increase only slightly.  I like to use full sized 
tools.  Use a ring tool for rough grinding.  Even on a large mirror it goes 
very quickly - a couple three hours.  Reduce the number of grits for fine 
grinding to 3, and consume 1-2 hours per each depending on mirror size.

But really, one ought to count the time in preparation, reading, puzzling, 
cursing, and joy!  The moment you think of making a mirror in terms of the 
hours involved, you've lost.  Sure, some reasonable gauge should be in the 
back of your mind.
But think of mirror making's closest analogy: ***rock climbing***.
No one starts a climb thinking primarily about how long it's going to take.

Mel Bartels

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