This image of a crisp lap (with a bit of a comical touch) was submitted by Brian Seyferth. He adds: "Thanx for the lap mold. The enclosed is my first lap. I took the 12" all the way through the final figuring and put it in a scope. I then decided to shorten the focal length, and am part way through the process for the 2nd time. It makes great laps."
Here's some comments and a nice photo from Bruce Grim:
I wanted to tell you how pleased I am with my first attempt lap. This is a revolutionary method and you are to be commended - I will certainly talk it up around here. Years ago I got fairly proficient with the old open rubber mats, but this is considerably easier and I'm sure, far more consistent for anyone. See the attachment for a photo of my 8" lap. Thanks a bunch!
Speaking of comments, here's a testimonial from Craig Nance, in Hawaii:
Aloha Kevin! I'm a huge fan of your pitch lap mold! I ordered one some time ago and have enjoyed using it ever since. I have tried every other technique to make laps over the years, and your mold is the way to go. I have made dozens of laps with itand am delighted how "perfect" they come out. I still have a sense of amazement whenever I peel the mold off and reveal a perfect pitch lap! This past weekend I made a 20" f/6 pitch lap using the mosaic technique; first time I have tried this. Your directions were very helpful and it ended up being the best lap of a larger size I have ever made. I should stop right there and be eternally grateful. (Craig goes on to ask if I make any larger size molds to do it in a single pour; alas, the CNC master molds would be economically justified) Again, the pitch lap mold is an AWESOME product! Thanks so very much for offering such a fine product!
And, lastly, one from Richard Jones:
Just wanted to let you know that I finally got around to making a pitch lap with one of your molds. It is a ten inch Sitall mirror blank that I am working on at present. The lap came out beautiful. I couldn't believe that none of the pitch stuck to the lap mold! I did lose two of the very small edge pieces when peeling off the mold but this was quickly corrected with a butane torch and reapplied. One warm press and I was ready to polish. You deserve a medal from the Amateur Telescope Making community for coming up with this mold. To think of all the time I have spent making laps a la Texereau; I couldn't be more pleased. Now the hardest part of mirror making is a thing of the past. I can forge ahead knowing that when or if this lap wears out the next lap will be a piece of cake. Usually, when the mirror is finally polished out the lap is thin and hard, not good for parabolizing. I will make! a! new lap just for parabolizing since it is so easy. Thank you again for your lap molds.