Re: Subject: ATM Three point mirror cell for the complete idiot

["Jean-Marc.Becker" <Jean-Marc.Becker@wanadoo.fr>]

> 1.   Use brass flat head bolts.   Increase the area of the silicone blob
> by soldering a penny onto the bolt head.   There will be no problem with
> the bolt twisting.
> 
> 2.  Springs are available at ACE hardware stores.   The price will amaze
> you, but you only need three of them....

Second hand springs, free, can be available in ancient car motors.
> 
> 3.   It is important that the silicone blobs be at least two millimeters
> thick so that they have some "give".  This also facilitates removal of
> the mirror from the cell by cutting the silicone with a hacksaw blade.

I used exactly that technique whith total success for three 8"
telescopes. It works perfectly, collimation is easy. 
I set my three points near the edge of the mirror. 

Jean Marc