Making a Telescope Mirror Tool from Dental Stone Part Two

In this edition of The Amateur Telescope Maker's Workshop, we continue to set up the mold for pouring the tool, we then measure the dental stone and water in preparation for mixing prior to the pour

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Amateur
• Telescope
• Making
• diy
• aviation
• space
• Mirror
• Tool
• Pitch
• Lap

[jacobabercrombie]

Is the surface of the tool you made flat or curved? I'm trying to learn as much as i can but there seems to be limited how too's out there.

[foreilly1958]

@jacobabercrombie Hello jacob, the surface of the tool is curved on the working side and flat on the back side. Please note that I am not a fan of these type of tools. Plate glass is much better.

[jacobabercrombie]

just wanted to point out with all the loons in the world i wouldnt put my address on youtube.

[foreilly1958]

@jacobabercrombie Thank you for your thoughts. It's been three years and no problems. I don't anticipate any either. The most frequent source of problems seems to be people with who are involved in the illicit drug trade. I am not. I live a simple life, working all day and making telescopes by night and weekend.

Best regards for the coming new year!

Francis J. O'Reilly

[foreilly1958]

There is no particular reason not to use plaster of paris, just make sure that it is well sealed from moisture. You might want to try using an epoxy sealer.

Francis J. O'Reilly

[soundonsound]

You could save yourself some time, the 1 oz of water is close enough to 1 fl oz of water to make no difference.

[carluchoparis]

Is the initial surface of the tool just flat?

I suppose the tool will start to have the "male" shape for the "female" mirror after some grinding, correct?

[longhairred]

My husband suggests duct tape. Canadian invention... Great job; you've got my husband chuckling and nodding!

[PhnxCaller]

Instead of dental stone, could one use plaster of paris?