Quote:
Originally Posted by monoxide
i do have 1 question though, would i be better off using a glass tool or should i make a tile tool for my first go?
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I used a thick glass tool for my first mirror, because Texereau said so, but it's such a waste IMHO. After the tool sat in a cupboard for about 5 years, I ended up giving it to George... I think his surname starts with a V.... anyway...
Better to make a POP & tile tool AFTER you hog to depth. This might seem overkill for a 6" but you might want to make a 12" or 16" one day and this skill is a must-have for a glass that big, so you may as well learn now.
For hogging, just use a piece of 3mm thick mild steel cut into an octagon (or more sides) that is about 60-70% of the mirror size. Then glue that to some 3/4" Ply.
Another tool you will probably need to make is a tool to grind the back of the mirror flat, before hogging. Post a picture of the blank when you get it. Again, get a piece of 3mm mild steel but 1.5x bigger than the mirror, cut it into and octagon and glue that to some 3/4" ply.
Paint or varnish the backs of the steel tools to keep out moisture. Use any old paint or varnish.
The bigger tool is used Mirror-On-Top (MOT) to grind the back flat and even.
The smaller tool is used Tool-On-Top (TOT), working Centre-over-Centre (CoC) to hog to depth.
If the above is not clear, just say so and I'll post photos of my grinding tools.
BTW, PM me with your snail mail addy and I'll post you enough glass tiles to cover a 6" tool.