I wasn’t expecting this, but the volunteers at the class expect me to continue working on my mirror at home! So after the class, I went on a shopping trip for a few essentials (a bucket, a plastic tray, sponges, spray bottle, that sort of thing). Monday evening I wrapped some 120 grit sandpaper around a block and put a 1mm bevel on both mirror and tool. Took about half an hour. Perhaps using a stone would have been quicker, but Johan … Continue reading →
I went to my first class yesterday. It also happened to be the first meeting of the year for ASSA Johannesburg‘s telescope making class, held in the workshop of Parktown Boys High School. I was surprised by how few people were present, but I was assured that this was because most people are still away on holiday, and things will really come to life over the next few weeks. As it was, there were only two people present grinding mirrors, myself included. … Continue reading →
It’s time. For years I’ve been pawing at advertisements in astronomy magazines, and browsing through ATM (Amateur Telescope Making) guides and handbooks, but I’m still doing my astronomy through a rather nice pair of binoculars. I haven’t looked through a telescope since 1995 (beautiful 100mm refractor that my uncle kindly loaned me for about a year), and that has got to change. So, this Saturday afternoon I will drive down to Parktown Boys High School in Johannesburg and join an ATM class. … Continue reading →
