Re: ATM a few points

[Vegos <yovw@rvi.net>]

Ron:

I've never gel coated a sonotube but if I recall correctly other folks have
and there is some discussion about it in the archives.  But I wonder if
this would be heavier than just a cardboard tube or just a fiberglass tube?
 What do you think?
>First, about tubing. Why can't you take a cardboard tube the right size and
>gel-coat it with clear fiberglass resin? 



I would but you need to be careful.  You don't want to allow the
oppurtunity for larger pieces than your grit to work it's way into your work.
>Second. If you add something to the concrete it may be tougher. Like granite
>sand for instance.



Ooooh boy.  Sorry to hear about this Ron.  :-0   Have you tried Tinactin?
   
>I do this. I add more grit and more water on my balls. I also add
>some dish-washing deturgent, liquid deturgent that is. It foams. 

Actually, Richard Berry recommended in his telescope building book to use a
drop of detergent in the polishing mixture.  I used it the first few dozen
times I tried to figure this 8" mirror I've been wearing out for over a
year now...  It seems to slow the cutting action down, which would be good
during figuring.  Probably not good during the finer grits or polishing
though.  There should be a discussion in the archives about fats in
detergent you might find interesting.

Thanks for the points, and giggles

Steve Vegos
Rogue River, OR