Attendees: EdK, TomT, TomW, ChrisU
TomW- starting polishing EdK 12.5” mirror with new 9” pitched tool, but high pitch noise is being generated from light polishing pressure. Noise eventually went away and about 30 minutes of polishing was done with EdK putting some time in. Testing with TomW’s Ronchi setup was then done by 9pm. TomW says outside edge of mirror still needs polish based on laser reflection from surface, and 100 line Ronchi test shows reflected mirror lines thinner than desired. http://www.mmresearch.com/articles/article1/ Pitch on polishing tool not showing full contact in center yet.
ChrisU- brought in his initial Dobsonian mount. The 8” dob tube w/ mirror made by Mike Farris was brought in as well. Chris needs to determine height of Dobsonian bearing circles above the turntable section. TomW says to load up the telescope with heaviest optics and find center of balance using a broom stick (or other tube) under the assembly. That position can determine how high the Dob telescope bearings will need to be. Chris will use a 33.33 LP record (stardust by willie nelson) as part of the turning surface. Chris making a list of items to do and get. TomW has Teflon pads for bearing surface (attached by flat screw) and Ebony Star Formica for bearing circle. Contact cement is used to attach the Formica.
ChrisU- mentioned he has the book “Turn Left at Orion” which TomW says is a great beginner book with good information to pass on at star parties.http://www.amazon.com/Turn-Left-Orion-Hundreds-Telescope/dp/0521153972
More photos/vids at Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/27241501@N03/sets/72157636109564385/
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