Logo
Eight Annual Mid-Atlantic Mirror Making Seminar

Delmarva Star Gazers will host the 8th Mid-Atlantic Mirror Making Seminar March 21 through March 23, 2008, at Mallard Lodge, Smyrna, DE. Mirror makers and other attendees should check into the Lodge before 11:00 AM; activities begin at Noon, March 21th.

The purpose of the Seminar is to introduce proven successful mirror grinding techniques and practices to those wishing to make their own mirrors. Special emphasis will be placed on successfully figuring the mirror. All mirror-grinding materials will be furnished and expert mirror makers will be available to guide the activities. We will begin with 6" F-8, 8" F-6, and 10" F-6 mirrors and tools with diamond generated curves; ready for 220 grit. Successful mirror grinders will leave the Seminar with a fine-figured mirror ready for aluminizing. They will also have the skills, knowledge and confidence to repeat the process as desired. Although our purpose is to make each mirror grinder successful, and indeed, each mirror grinder will have the materials, guidance, and time to produce a quality mirror, there is no guarantee of results.

Mirror grinding, polishing, figuring and testing assistance will be provided by Steve Swayze, (Swayze Optical), David Groski (Stellafane 1st Place in Optics), Dr. Bill Hangan and several experienced mirror makers from Delmarva Star Gazers.

Mirror making: stations will be limited to 15 on a first come, first served basis. Non-mirror makers are encouraged to attend; to watch the process, to learn, to "get glasspushin' fever", and to participate in other planned activities

Various other demonstrations and activities are in the works and will be announced later.

Swap meet: bring your treasures, the swap meet will be Saturday afternoon,

Registration: all mirror makers and attendees are asked to register by December 15, 2007, to provide sufficient lead-time for ordering supplies. Full payment must accompany the registration. Since a large percentage of the registration fees are used to order your materials there will be no refunds, but substitutions are O.K. should you become unable to attend. All we ask is that you arrange for some one to take your place - financial arrangements are your responsibility.

Fee Schedule

Attendance and lodging only $75.00
Attendance, lodging and grind 6” mirror $225.00
Attendance, lodging and grind 8” mirror $275.00
Attendance, lodging and grind 10” mirror $450.00
Figure your own mirror $150
Walk In (No over night accomadations) $40
Mid Atlantic Mirror Making 8 Registration<--Click for registration form

Things to bring<-- What you need to bring

We are on our eight Seminar, all have been very successful. Every participant and every person involved as a host has commented favorably on the experience. We have had amny "repeaters" who come back to make another mirror or type of telescope; let's assume they have caught glasspushin fever. This eight Seminar should be a wonderful late Winter-time weekend in a very interesting environment and in the company of amateur astronomers learning how to "push glass".

Come and join us - we look forward to your company.

Come and join us; we look forward to your company. Contact Don Surles, 514 Marilyn Road, Smyrna, DE 19977, phone 302-653-9445, email:Don Surles E mail, or visit our web site at www.delmarvastargazers.org for additional information.