And I was kidding about using it as a lens glue. But again, I didn't realize the association. If it works as a filter (although rarely clear) and it functions as a glue, why not hold two lenses together? Now I'll just have to decide on a flavor

And I read the announcment. Very sad. Talk about someone who appreciated the old stuff... And helped a lot of people to keep using it instead of throwing it away....

Quote:

...And as long as we're (I'm) on the subject of "archaic" materials: I still dissolve flake shellac in alcohol in order to repair/refinish instruments and furniture! <font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: AWT on 2003-04-16 10:40 ]</font>

Wait doesn't everybody do this? It's fresh whenever I need it. Less waste. I can keep a bag of flakes in the house and some alcohol forever-)) It's even the colour I want and likely higher quality to boot!

Don't mistake "archaic" with "correct." Sure, you can get pre-mixed shellac, and maybe it can't be beat for convienence, but if you really want to control the final product, you go with flakes. Same way processing film at home instead of dropping it off at Wal-Mart ain't "archaic" but smart. Just my 2 cents worth.

jeff

At least shellac flakes are still available. I have been searching for days now and Canada Balsam is not to be found anywhere. I did run across one company that has the liquid for microscope slide mounting. But I don't think they were in the US, not cheap, and I was hoping to find the real stuff. Looks like the only option is the liquid or one of the atificial cements being used now. Kind of a shame and I bet it put a whole industry out of business...
So if anyone happens upon a source for Canada Balsam, please let me know. In the meantime, I think I'll order some shellac flakes to experiment with. Never had the chance to try it and we're now redoing part of our kitchen which will force back into woodworking. An oportunity too good to pass up since our current cabinets just happen to be that color and may even be shellac'd (done in 1957).

Rich, Fisher Scientific list neutral Canada Balsam (25ml for 22.50, I don/t know if this is what you are looking for. Also searching the Google/Deja's usernet has several articles on re-cementing lens and taking them apart in hot water and using Balsam and the new synthetics to re-assemble. Russ

"Canada Balsam" is the juice (sap) of the balsam fir tree (Abies balsamea), which grows abundantly in the Adirondacks. On the surface of the bark are many blisters which contain the sap. Poke one with a knife point and a thick, clear, sticky liquid will ooze forth. Collect a quantity of it in a suitable container, preferably a small glass bottle. In use, it will require thinning---try denatured alcohol---until it runs freely.

Now you understand why Edmunds charges $22.50 for 25 ml! Make your own and you also get the benefit of a trip to the Adirondacks.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Henry on 2003-04-18 01:31 ]</font>

Thanks! I tried Edmund and Scientifics(edmund) and many net searches and found nothing. Until today anyway when I found an industrial supply who sells by the pound. Apparently it was/is used for gem mounting and some other scientific mountings. But whether or not it's optical quality is questionable since it's just used to hold something like any other glue? I'll look to see if Fishers has a web site and check them out...

In my 'balsam' searches, I've read many posts about recementing lenses. In the past few years, everyone has moved to the newer UV cements. But I've collect some good ideas. The most interesting so far is a way to fix edge seperation. The person used several dips or a short soak in solvent (acetone I think) which seeps into the seperated edge, softens the balsam and then drys minus the seperation. Lens removed from mount of course. I'm sure I will try this someday!

Henry. The 'optical' quality is the whole issue (although any quality is impossible to find right now). Optical quality balsam is highly filtered at the least. That may be possible, but it would have to be done either thinned or heated. Hmmm, never thought of filtering it thinned... I may go collect some after all?

If all else fails, I'll have to wait a bit to make a trip and do some collecting myself. Worst I could come back with is pine pitch


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: RichS on 2003-04-18 13:52 ]</font>

All this effort looking for Balsam? Wouldn't modern UV cement be (1) easier to find, (2) easier to work with (3) less prone to seperation (4) Possibly a better choice all around? If you pay someone to do the work, UV cement is what will be used.

Quote:

On 2003-04-18 18:06, Jonathan Bundick wrote: All this effort looking for Balsam? Wouldn't modern UV cement be (1) easier to find, (2) easier to work with (3) less prone to seperation (4) Possibly a better choice all around? If you pay someone to do the work, UV cement is what will be used.

Wouldn't a brand new Wisner or Deardorf or even a Toyo be better than a 50 year old Graphic? Wouldn't the hottest new digital be better than both?
You've missed the point on two counts.

UV cement is very difficult to re-do if something wrong happens and you need a good UV light. Or wait for a long time in the Sun, which I don't get where I live. And that long time equates to more potential of something going wrong (cats, dogs, thrown newspaper...)

Balsam is the old process. And it is the process that counts. Learning how it was done. Learning how to fix it. Seeing the results. Even just the challenge of finding the balsam.

I suppose it's the difference of one who digs out a dozen tools, then buys 3 more just to fix a leak in the sink. And then calling the plumber (or luckily, not). Some people just call the plumber right away. I feel sorry for them...

After the balsam, UV cement could be used. But not before...

FWIW...the word is spelled separation...not seperation. Fred

Sorry RichS, just trying to offer an alternative that might be easier.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Jonathan Bundick on 2003-05-02 17:38 ]</font>

Where can one get a "new" Deardorf ?

Gees, you guys are being brutal

Ya mean Deardorf is out of business?
And how do you spell sepearation?

Okay... Most of the time I post here either during work hours when my mind is otherwise occupied. Or in the wee hours of the morning when it not working at all... So you'll have to excuse spelling mistakes. plus this lousy Dell keyboard that's too small for my fingers...
I knew Wista was still around, and I tend to gloat over the 8x10 Deardorfs, so that just came out...

And Johnathan. That's okay. I appreciate your suggestions. But we did talk about the UV stuff. I just want to explore balsam, if I can find it...

Seems Fischer only sells in quite large quantities (1 liter minimum) and at a bit more than I feel like spending right now. Real life is getting in the way of hobbies again...

Rich,

It's easy! Look for trees labeled "Optical Quality." And bring along some alcohol: this stuff is sticky....

Henry


RichS wrote:
....Henry. The 'optical' quality is the whole issue (although any quality is impossible to find right now). Optical quality balsam is highly filtered at the least. That may be possible, but it would have to be done either thinned or heated. Hmmm, never thought of filtering it thinned... I may go collect some after all?

FWIW, my spelling correction was in the spirit of trying to be helpful. No disrespect intended. Fred.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: clnfrd on 2003-05-03 05:09 ]</font>