From: "Jerry B. Hillman" 
To: 
Reply-To: "Jerry B. Hillman" 


Hi all,
Why use points at all??  Isn't the objective to get complete, even support?
1/8" of felt, on a 1/8" bed of silicone would give 100% support
yet allow the mirror to adjust to temperature changes. A sling would
provide the edge support needed, as has been proven. Perhaps I don't
understand the significance of the point support system, and I do use a six
point support cell on my 10", but if the spacing is so critical,
doesn't that lend to errors in support that would be avoided by thinking
outside the box and trying for complete support. I intend to use this
approach on the 16" mirror I am making.  If it doesn't work, I can
always use Plop to determine a point support system, but I think it will
work.
If I am wrong, I don't mind being educated, but doing it a particular way,
just because that is the accepted method, holds back progress. In ATM'ing,
as well as any field of science, engineering, etc. Clear skies, Jerry

--- BBBS/NT v4.00 MP