From: "Scott Berfield" 
To: "Vladimir Galogaza" ,
"ATM shore"
        
Reply-To: "Scott Berfield" 


I think I spent about $20 on my Foucault (built from the Stellafane plans).
I had scrap wood around. The copper pipe and fittings, floor glides, LED,
and battery pack were a few bucks. The dial gauge was $10, but you can get
very good results with a hand made graduated knob. There is really no need
to get fancy.


________________________________

From: owner-atm{at}shore.net on behalf of Vladimir Galogaza
Sent: Sat 6/21/2003 8:45 AM
To: ATM shore
Subject: Re: ATM foucault tester




Glenn,

>I've been stuck with my 10" at the polishing -> figuring stage for some
time,
>largely because of financial difficulties. I wanted to build the Foucault
Tester
>described on the Stellafane web pages, but my budget keeps balking

Compared to total expenses you will have with your 10" project,
Foucault tester is probably the smallest one. Of course you can build very
fancy one with XY stage of high precision but thanks to modern LED ( light
emitting diodes, and this is probably a single tester component you have to
pay for, and battery of course) you can build one for couple of $.  Amount
of plywood
 is negligible and you will find some scrap or get it for free from
carpenters.
My advice is, make one absolutely minimalistic version  ( you can find
description in archives or Google under SLITLESS TESTER) just to see and
feel how it works and what is important. Than elaborate at will and with
much more understanding of what you are doing. This is proper money saving
tactics.

Regards
Vladimir.

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