Re: [ATM] There seems to be a reoccurring motif among this list.

[mbartels@bbastrodesigns.com]

> For instance, once or twice a year, someone new to mirror making gets
> the bright idea to make a mirror of aluminum metal instead of glass
> with
> an aluminum coating.  They are not aware that the idea has been tried
> multiple times by bright and skilled people with very little success.
> So, should they get upset when the greybeards on the list tell them
> that?


Depends on their purpose for asking.  If they are asking 

'how to do it right'

then yes we greybeards should say something about the pitfalls and failures of 
AL mirrors.

If they are asking

'how to do it right'

then I'll point them to the archives where how to do aluminum mirrors, for 
better or worse, are more than adequately discussed.

BTW, I hear a rumor that a certain optics company in Tucson is about to 
announce an incredibly lightweight (44 lb) carbon fiber 1 meter f/3 mirror 
<smile>...

Mel Bartels
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