2005-2006 Stellafane Mirror Class Session 7 held on 2006-Apr-29
by Ken Slater 2006-Apr-29
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A Focus on Figuring
In this extra seventh session held in the McGregor Observatory, the focus was on figuring. Two more mirrors were declared done, the 4th and 5th of this class. Jay used his Ross Null test setup and showed the rest of us how it worked. Down in the bunkhouse, the grinding machine became operational (click thumbnail for movie link).
2005-2006 Stellafane Mirror Class Session 7 held on 2006-Apr-29A Focus on Figuring
Ross Null Lens in place The Ross Null lens is positioned precisely between the Ronchi Grating and Mirror.
Ross Null Lens in place
2005-2006 Stellafane Mirror Class Session 7 held on 2006-Apr-29A Focus on Figuring
Ross Null Setup Here is a mirror side view of the Ross Null test setup.
Ross Null Setup
2005-2006 Stellafane Mirror Class Session 7 held on 2006-Apr-29A Focus on Figuring
Fran & Dave are Done! Fran & Dave both completed excellent 8-inch mirrors (both did final figuring at home, we just confirmed their excellent work with a final test in class).
Fran & Dave are Done!
2005-2006 Stellafane Mirror Class Session 7 held on 2006-Apr-29A Focus on Figuring
On to a 12-inch Cass With his 8-inch complete, Fran sets up his 12.5-inch Cassegrain primary for a test.
On to a 12-inch Cass
2005-2006 Stellafane Mirror Class Session 7 held on 2006-Apr-29A Focus on Figuring
Testing Paul has his head in the test, while Jay and Fran look on.
Testing
2005-2006 Stellafane Mirror Class Session 7 held on 2006-Apr-29A Focus on Figuring
Joyce presses her lap Joyce is figuring a 6" f/4 for a garden telescope.
Joyce presses her lap
2005-2006 Stellafane Mirror Class Session 7 held on 2006-Apr-29A Focus on Figuring
Bad Lap Day Scott warms his lap. He had a "bad lap day", which is much worse than a bad hair day. His lap just wouldn't press well, and it stuck and grabbed when trying to figure. It seems to be very hard and unresponsive.
Bad Lap Day
2005-2006 Stellafane Mirror Class Session 7 held on 2006-Apr-29A Focus on Figuring
Erin is almost done. She is well into correction, and just needs to bring it out to the edge a bit more to be done.
Erin is almost done.
2005-2006 Stellafane Mirror Class Session 7 held on 2006-Apr-29A Focus on Figuring
It Works! The Big Blue Grinding Machine has been brought back to life. Click to see a short movie of it running (6 Mb AVI file).
It Works!
Site Work: Flanders Pavilion
With the good weather here, work has again begun on the Flanders Pavilion. Today we poured a concrete door sill (for a very large door), in preparation for leveling the interior floor to final grade.
2005-2006 Stellafane Mirror Class Session 7 held on 2006-Apr-29Site Work: Flanders Pavilion
Mixing the 'Mud' John G, John M, Tom and Dave mix cement.
Mixing the 'Mud'
2005-2006 Stellafane Mirror Class Session 7 held on 2006-Apr-29Site Work: Flanders Pavilion
Pouring the Sill John G, Tom, Dave and John M begin to pour a door sill.
Pouring the Sill
2005-2006 Stellafane Mirror Class Session 7 held on 2006-Apr-29Site Work: Flanders Pavilion
Spreading in the Form John G spreads while Dave pours and John M looks on. Tom and Brad are in the Pavilion.
Spreading in the Form
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