Mirror Scratches

I am about 2/3 of the way through a polish of a 12" mirror. While rinsing things off for the night a found 3 small scratches. Each is about 3mm long and I figure about 12micron size deep. Should I go back and grind these out? Will this actually affect the performance of the mirror? Or is it just a matter of pride?

Sam D

I have a feeling you will get multiple answers on this. Here is my experience on my 12.5. I have reworked several times now. I have a total of about 20 hours into the grinding/polishing time. I hope to start parabolizing soon. I know the defects that are/were in the mirror. With the money I have spent on the mirror so far, I'm doing everything possible to get it right. As far as small scratches go, probably invisible at the eye piece. As far as pride? That’s up to you. You will always see those scratches when you look down the tube or box and wonder....just how much time would it have taken me to go back a step to get that right? Remember, the aluminizing will bring out all defects. Good luck, DaveT

Sam,

They will not change how the mirror performs. Chances are if you do go back, you will wind up with a few scratches or sleeks on the mirror anyway, and it could be a never ending battle. Worry more about getting a very smooth, well corrected figure.

And can you say "dust?"

Clear skies, Alan