first surface mirros/ used for sale

I just came across this site as i was looking for diy first surface mirrors. hope some can use it.

EASTMAN KODAK 16" X 11-1/2" THIN FRONT SURFACE MIRROR - Surplus Shed :drool:

also check out the "item quick find" drop down. there is beam splitter stuff and lenses

That is a really great site! Nice cheap 1st surface mirrors.
Thanks for the link.

has anybody tried to diy their own first surface mirrors. I read and article where a guy describes the process but doesnt show pix or even describe the finished process.

take mirror place it bowl. fill with acetone or paint remover. then wait a bit and then wash of the first layer. all that is supposed to be left is the glass and the aluminized/silvered layer. but

there wasn't a description though of the finished surface. clear/swirly etc....

I recommend using a HDD platter. Reflectivity is very near 100% and the surface is perfectly polished. The only issue you'll have is cutting them apart..

About first surface mirrors, i really doubt that you can build your ones easy, at least if you don't have a vacuum bell for metal evaporation coating.

Usually, they're build wit evaporating aluminium in a vacuum environment, then polishing the surface with "micron grade" polisher and doing a treatment (don't remember what one, sorry), for prevent a bit corrosion and oxidation.

The chemical deposition method is good for second surface mirrors, or where you don't need really perfect surfaces, and involves also silver nitrate and some other not-so-much-safe chemicals

EDIT: hell, 1/32" thickness ? ..... guess how much chips of mirrored glass arrives to my house, if i order one there ..... can do a lottery, with that, LOL

chipdouglas;

I have lots of new Minolta optical quality first surface mirrors in stock.

The sizes are ~1.5" x 2" & 2" sq.

I like the larger size for easy mounting on 40mm computer fans and the ability to use two different color lasers on the same spirograph.

Reflection is vent in ceiling.
Each mirror is $2.50 +$1 shipping.

LarryDFW

hey thanks guys for all the comments.

@larry thanks, i think i'll take some. i'll pm you when i get read to finally assemble

chipdouglas said:

has anybody tried to diy their own first surface mirrors. I read and article where a guy describes the process but doesnt show pix or even describe the finished process.

take mirror place it bowl. fill with acetone or paint remover. then wait a bit and then wash of the first layer. all that is supposed to be left is the glass and the aluminized/silvered layer. but

there wasn't a description though of the finished surface. clear/swirly etc....

Click to expand...

I have.
The diy that I found used paint stripper, acetone, and acrylic mirrors. It worked a little bit, (see pics) but I ended up stripping the mirror surface off the back when I applied a little bit too much solvent. I haven't tried it with glass mirrors yet. But, I think with a bit of patience and $20 in chemicals, it can be done.

I have been using the mirrors (and prisms) out of old, used SLR cameras. :tired:
At $3.50 ea., I think Larry's mirrors are worth it.

thanks ash