ATM Problem polishing!!

[arning@itn.is (Arni Ingimundarson)]

I finished fine grinding with aluminum oxide on my tiled tool with my 
grinding machine (8" mirror).  I did not notice any scratches on the 
mirror though I have to large pits :( the larger probaply from grit 60, I 
unfortunetly chiped the edge a little :( :(.  Well I have now come to 
accept that and wanted to start polishing.  I poured the pitch on another 
tool (1" plywood) and cut the channels and pressed the mirror on the get 
contact, it looked ok, I think, considering this is my first pitch lap.  
So I stared polishing, with my machine (a homemade elgin type).  It 
started out ok (though I didnt have contact in the center at first) and 
soon got a quite shiny surface.  But on the second day I continued but 
after 1.5 hour I checked the mirror and :( it had some greyish sleek over 
it all, kinda like after the aluminum oxide.  I am hoping it is traces of 
cerium oxide that just dont wash off with water or is it something worse ??

I need your help please...... what could I be doing wrong.


ps.  I was planing on going out tonight to watch the lunar eclipse but
     unfortunetly due to wether I will probably not be able to see it :(
     (Weather forcast predicts clouds over the whole island :( :()


Thanx in advance...
Arni Ingimundarson
arning@itn.is
Electronics Technician
Amateur Telescope Maker
Iceland.