CANOPUS 97/12 - Telescope making class

The class now has 9 beginners starting their first mirrors, and several people from previous classes who have come back to complete mirrors they started some time ago. So far, 6 of the beginners have started grinding and progress is looking good. John Scott is well underway with a prototype of a portable "polar disk" equatorial mounting that should handle telescopes up to about 10". This is based on Danie Overbeek’s version, which has stood the test of time.

The new venue (Parktown Boys’ High School technology centre) is proving most successful and convenient. Having access to proper workshop facilities has removed a major set of impediments: we are grateful to PBH for making the facilities available. It is our intention to keep the class going through the festive season, assuming sufficient attendance.

The class is now closed to new entrants but, if you were a member of a previous class and have yet to complete your telescope, please join us now. Visitors are also most welcome.

Evan Dembskey recently had the following conversation the the TMC's supplier of resin for lap making. He had contacted them in order to get a price on a kilogram of wood resin.

..EVAN: How much is one kilogram of wood resin?
..THEM: Eighty rand ( DON'T REMEMBER THE EXACT PRICE ).
..EVAN: For one kilogram?
..THEM: Yes.
..EVAN: So that will be four hundred rand for five kilograms?
..THEM: No, that is eighty rand.
..EVAN: So the price is the same for one kilogram and for five kilograms? Gee...I don't know,
...............maybe I'll only take one kilogram them. (HEAVY SARCASM)
..THEM: We don't sell resin in one kilogram packets.
..EVAN: But it would be eighty rand if you did?
..THEM: No, we sell in five kilogram packets, and larger.
..EVAN: I asked for a price for one kilogram, and you said eighty rand.
..THEM: No I didn't, you asked for five kilograms.
..EVAN: OK, I'll get back to you.