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<TITLE> Fast, Perfect Pitch Laps!</TITLE>
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Fast, Perfect Pitch Laps!</A></H1>
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If you've ever made a pitch lap, you know just how ornery
and time-consuming the process can be. The final product
usually leaves a lot to be desired, too - chipped, uneven
squares of various heights, requiring a lot of hot pressing
to begin to make full contact. Telescope making and optics
books are replete with drawings of what a pitch lap should
look like, but its a rare lap that lives up to expectations.
Since laps have a limited life, this is a chore you'll need
to deal with again and again. Why not do it right?
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After years of trying to do things the hard way, I've developed
a pitch lap mold that makes the process a snap. In a few
minutes more than it takes to melt the pitch and let it cool,
you can make perfect laps every time! Say goodbye to all of the
hassles, wasted time, ring zones, and the mess. Each lap looks
just like the textbooks: perfect squares, with razor sharp edges
and heights that conform to your mirror or lens, regardless of the f/ratio.
For large mirrors, the LM-4 "Perfect Pitch" lap mold can be used multiple times, in a tiled fashion
on the same tool, resulting in seamless, perfect laps for mirrors of unlimited size.
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The latest version of the Perfect Pitch lap mold, the LM-4, is made from a new material: a premium, platinum cure silicone. This material is completely inert, and is compatible with all types of pitch, including synthetics. Previous versions of the lap mold (LM-1 to LM-3) were fabricated from a flexible urethane that in a small minority of cases could interact with the pitch. The new silicone material is ideal, but due to its higher cost, and its need for vacuum degassing, a price increase was required. On the other hand, no mold release (offered with previous versions) is necessary. The LM-4 is designed to last a lifetime of mirror-making, and lets you make essentially perfect lap molds in minutes. Note that until I update the photos on the web site, the yellow lap molds are the previous LM-3; the new LM-4 is clear to translucent white.
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For further information, select among the following links:
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<LI> <H3><a href="http://home.comcast.net/~kevin.mccarthy137/Pitchlaps/bullets.html#top">LM-4 "Perfect Pitch" Lap Mold Features</a></H3>
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<LI> <H3><a href="http://home.comcast.net/~kevin.mccarthy137/Pitchlaps/instruct.html#top">Instructions for Using the "Perfect Pitch" Lap Mold</a></H3>
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<LI> <H3><a href="http://home.comcast.net/~kevin.mccarthy137/Pitchlaps/images.html#top">Photos of the "Perfect Pitch" Lap Mold, and some laps it has produced</a></H3>
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<LI> <H3><a href="http://home.comcast.net/~kevin.mccarthy137/Pitchlaps/videos.html#top">Video demonstration of lapmaking with the LM-4 pitch lap mold</a></H3>
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<LI> <H3><a href="http://home.comcast.net/~kevin.mccarthy137/Pitchlaps/sources.html#top">Other Stuff You'll Need
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<LI> <H3><a href="http://home.comcast.net/~kevin.mccarthy137/Pitchlaps/order.html#top">Product Ordering Information </a></H3>
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Questions or comments on the "Perfect Pitch" lap mold?
Feel free to contact me, via
<a href="mailto:kjm.mit@gmail.com"> email </a>
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