From: "Kerry Tumleson" 
To: atm{at}shore.net
Reply-To: "Kerry Tumleson" 




I'm in the process of polishing a 6" F5 mirror with a home built
polishing machine and a full size channeled tool.  The rotation speed is
approx. 20 turns per minute and the back and forth motion of the arm is
about 60 per minute.  The pitch I'm using is labelled as optical pitch.  I
can't give you anymore information regarding the pitch since I got it from
a guy who got it from a guy who passed away.  I can indent the pitch with
my fingernail after about 10-15 seconds of pressure.  I work in a basement
that has a constant cool temperature.  I alternate between TOT AND MOT.  I
vary my strokes between 1/4 inch to 1 inch overhang.  I hot and cold press
frequently. I believe the lap is making good contact with the mirror.

My problem is that while the mirror's surface looks like it is polished the
magnify glass in the sun test shows it is not.  It appears the surface is
cloudy with a number of micro scratches consistent across the surface. 
I've already polished the mirror for several hours and the surface
condition does not appear to be improving.  I'm at a lost on what could be
causing this. The only thing I could think of causing this is perhaps the
"hard" water in my area contains some minerals that are
scratching the surface.  Though, I have polished another mirror using the
same water and it turned out okay. I'm at a lost on what is going on.  Does
anyone have any ideals?  This is the second lap I've made in hopes of
addressing this problem but it doesn't seem to be helping.

                                 Thank you,



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