Re: ATM - Where to buy mirror blanks, grit etc.

[Brand <huntb@ucs.orst.edu>]

> 1. What's a good place to buy the blanks and the abrasives. I'd prefer 
>    getting the blanks and abrasives from a single source if possible. Is 
>    Willman-Bell a good source ? 
Willman-Bell is really good source for stuff, IMHO. I purchased the 8" 
mirror kit for my first project came with very excellant abrasives 
(plenty for the project) and enough pitch (the tempered kind) and *2* 8" 
annealed Pyrex blanks. I've heard of people making a tile tool and making 
both blanks into mirrors, but I like the feeling of glass on glass while 
grinding the finer grits.

> 2. Would an 8" mirror be okay as a first project or should I go with a 
>    6" mirror ? I prefer an 8" as I've a 6" but I would like to hear 
>    what's worked best for all the experienced opticians!  
I started with 8". It was perfect for me. My problems weren't with the 
size or the time, but with the damn pitch. Sticky stuff. It was 'fun' 
though and it's been easier working with pitch after that first time. 
Although, I still don't consider my self a pro pitch lap maker, more of 
an artist--I think. ;-)

Good luck with your first mirror, remember there is always the ATM list. :)

-Brand

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Brand Hunt                 Email: huntb@ucs.orst.edu
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