(ATM) Ceramic tools

[Francis.O'reilly@dome.uu.ids.net (Francis O'reilly)]

WOW! what an udea. I never considered making an entire tool from 
ceramic and firing it in a kiln. 
 
I have two seven inch pyrex blanks I would like to turn into one seven 
inch binocular. Ever try to find a piece of seven inch plate glass? It 
ain't pretty, let me tell you. As I am not a technical type, I haven't 
been able to adequately address this problem. Your suggestion of making
a ceramic tool will probably work just fine. I have not heard the idea 
mentioned, although I have read almost everything out on the subject of
Amateur telescope making.
 
I'll keep the list posted on my progress. 
 
BTW 1/2 inch shrinkage on an 8" tool is perfectly acceptable and indeed
may actually be preferable.
 
Good luck.
 
Francis J. O'Reilly