Or does the tool release stresses that then distort the image & cannot be corrected?
2006-09-22 19:54:03 · 6 answers · asked by Richard A 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
I used to make spectacle lenses, but never telescope lenses or mirrors. Spectacle lenses are shaped using a generator with a diamond cutter to form the correct degree of curvature on the rear lens surface, followed by fining / polishing with ever finer grades of emery paper / polishing pads mounted on pre-formed blocks, but usually they also have a cylindrical curve as well because most of them are produced to correct astigmatism as well as near / far sightedness. This is certainly what you don't want on a telescope.
If the tool you're talking about is for forming the initial curved surface, then I assume you'll be using various grades of fining / polishing tools afterwards. If this is the case, then it's probable that you could easily use the grinding tool again, so long as there is no major deformation of its surface shape following the first use.
I've included a source link which seems fairly informative. The very last paragraph on the first link states that after initial polishing any deformation of the mirror can be corrected using the same tool, and while it doesn't state categorically that the tool may be used to form another mirror, it does seem to imply that you should be able to. But I would say that for fine polishing I would personally never use the same polishing pads / cloths for fear of trapped particles which may abrade the surface.
2006-09-22 20:41:56 · answer #1 · answered by Grimread 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes you get questions that really make you think. It’s 50 years since I did made a telescope. Look this is a guess even if an educated one. I don’t think that the stresses are going to affect it, but the developed shape of the final tool might. I wouldn’t risk it: it might take quite a bit longer.
2006-09-23 05:08:42 · answer #2 · answered by Richard T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So long as the grinding tool is still within tolerances you may reuse it.
2006-09-23 07:46:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, you have high expectations for yahoo answers... try a telescope enthusiast forum, here you will likely get people saying "does making people gay is a sin?". Good luck on that though!
(I didn't even know you could make your own lenses!)
2006-09-23 03:01:46 · answer #4 · answered by kingoftheintertron 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes mine lasted for two mirrors.
2006-09-23 19:48:25 · answer #5 · answered by bo nidle 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you ahve to ask the expert on this
2006-09-25 11:28:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋