[ATM] Mirror stuck on pitch lap

[Jerry]

Francis

With channels I would not expect much trouble separating them. Usually just
squirting water into the channels, mirror face up so the water settles in
the concave and soaks between the lap and mirror should allow you to slide
it by hand in 30 minutes or so.
 
When you press a lap well and it is in intimate contact with the mirror, it
will be "stuck" to some degree and might take some force to get it moving on
the first stroke. Steady prolonged force, not short hammer blow type force.
Hold the force on steady for a minute and give it time to start moving. If
you are pushing by hand, hold on to it; don't let it shoot away if it lets
go all at once!

The prolonged force probably has something to do with why the method Ulhas
offered works. It may be that "prolonged" force is more important than
"strong" force in separating the lap and mirror.

Gentle is a good idea. If necessary, there will still be time later for
hammers, jacks, wood splitting wedges and pry-bars.

Jerry


-----Original Message-----
From: Francis J. O'Reilly [mailto:foreilly at bestweb.net] 
 
Jerry,

Thank you for your time and concern. The lap was poured with the aid of a 
mold. It is channelled. I am trying the gentle method at this point, having 
been chastised for attempting a more aggressive method in my frustration. I 
am soaking the whole mess in a "Tupperware" type container. I'll give it a 
couple of days and see how it progresses.

Regards,

Francis J. O'Reilly