To: "ATM list" 
Reply-To: "Scott Berfield" 


I am nearing the time to go to polishing on my 12+"and wanted to get a
sense of how hard the pitch should be. I have two pounds of burgundy pitch
from Newport Optics (creamy yellow color). I am working on a BVC blank
which is quite soft. My working space is pretty cool most of the time (in
the garage so it tends to be in the mid-60's F). I have read Texereau where
he advocates chewing the pitch to test it (maybe not). I have seen varying
opinions here and on the Web. Any really good advice from those of you who
have worked BVC or other softer glass before? Looking for tips on how to
test he hardness, how to adjust it (turpentine?), etc...

Also, should I plan on using two different laps for polishing and figuring?
If so, should the pitch be softer/harder for one than the other?

--- BBBS/NT v4.00 MP