Cutting lenses by hand (a guide)

[Lopaka KaMars]

The valve 1.0 and mars aren't the easiest to do by hand w their bumps and/or curves. That have to be perfectly placed so lenses don't slip or rotate.

Yes it took me well over a couple hours apiece. Grinding, testing, grinding, testing. Am almost 'lucky' my first tries were pretty decent. I've already slacked some and messed up a cut for an Unknown. So far from perfect. Lol.

 

[TheStig]

What all did you use To make the cuts ?

Some use a hand held Dremel.
I use a Bench Grinder.
You will need a variety of different masking tapes. Some donor lenses are hydrophobic. Means, nothing sticks to it and you need a more adhesive tape. Some other donor lenses you need a less adhesive tape or you rip the coating right off.

 

[Lopaka KaMars]

Some use a hand held Dremel.
I use a Bench Grinder.
You will need a variety of different masking tapes. Some donor lenses are hydrophobic. Means, nothing sticks to it and you need a more adhesive tape. Some other donor lenses you need a less adhesive tape or you rip the coating right off.

The grinder. That's a good one that I didn't see if was discussed here before. The use of a stationary grinder and holding the lens. That's how I've been doing mine. I only do cuts with my Dremel.

As far as tapes go, I do need to try others myself. I've only tried a couple of brands so far. Mahalo.