From: "Bob May" 
To: "atmlist" 
Reply-To: "Bob May" 


I did something similar on the 6" refractor that I'm doing.  Got a set
of 3 wheels from HF for $10 and used the solid edge one for grinding to
shape by just holding it to the surface of the glass.  It tended to cut
grooves a bit even though it was laying on its side because the diamonds
aren't that close together.  A few moments with 120 grit quickly got the
surface smooth and spherical afterwords.
I will note that spinning the cutters will be better than the hand
movements with them tho.  I've got an 8" lapidary cutter and it cuts
the glass liike it was a good hardwood on a small saw. The Peter Smith
article on doing diamond turning is probably the best as he makes a cupped
wheel from the regular cutter and that allows for the tool to be put on a
long arm and swung over the glass to cut the excess away fast. Bob May
http://nav.to/bobmay
bobmay{at}nethere.com
NEW! http://bobmay.astronomy.net

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