Our new Mirror-O-Matic machine has been operational since some time now. In this video you can see a 20-inch mirror being finished on the new machine.
The V2 has new capabilities –
- No creaking (the earlier machine was made in plywood),
- VFD speed control from 6 to 50 RPM, on a 3 phase motor.
- Automated dispensing of Cerium Oxide while polishing,
- Cerium oxide settles down in the jar, we used a 3V mixie, which periodically keeps stirring up the mixture for proper feeding. That plastic box you see in the video, contains an industrial intervalometer circuit, to control the mixie and peristaltic pump.
The new machine is a pleasure to use, especially useful at slowest speed for large mirrors, and more so because we built it completely on our own.
Our workshop is now open for amateur telescopes makers, you can come and use our facility for making your own mirrors.
There is a small per day charge for using the facility, and the charge includes all consumables that are required for mirror making (except the mirror blank).
Our Mirror Making Workshop is now listed in the worldwide mirror making facilities on the Stellafane website – https://stellafane.org/tm/mc/other.html
Mirror Making workshop, start anytime. Two working Mirror-O-Matic machines which can handle upto 20-inch mirrors.
All consumable supplies available.
Foucault and Ronchi tests can be done. Participants can also complete their dobs at our workshop.
