Making A Ground

Glass For Your Camera

Why Make Your Own Glass?

First the simple answer, it is quick and easy! Also it is a great feeling while showing off your camera to say, I made it myself. Most importantly I have found the finished product to be of a very high quality compared to say an acid etched glass. The ones I have made provide a very bright image as compared to the acid etched glass. I find it extremely easy to focus while looking at it with a loupe. Also once you have the needed materials, making a couple spares for your kit costs almost nothing.

What You Will Need

At least two pieces of glass, I have found that cheap picture frames are a good source. The glass is already the right size and the only thing you have to cut is the corners if needed. I prefer to use a larger piece of glass for the bottom piece while grinding the glass. (Explanation Later)

Some abrasive compound to grind the glass with. 600 grit aluminum oxide works very well. You can find these kinds of items at a lapidary supply store. ( rock grinding and tumbling ) I have heard of people using automotive valve grinding compound.

A place to work that can withstand getting dirty. I do this in my basement on a workbench. I put down a piece of cardboard on the bench to make clean up easier.

I wear some rubber gloves while doing the grinding. This grinding process can get rather messy. Also the rubber gloves help in moving the glass around to grind it.

Let's Make A Ground Glass

Your work surface should be flat since glass does bend. Take the large piece of glass that I mentioned earlier and place it on the work surface. Take a little grinding compound, about a spoonful ( a little goes a long way ) and sprinkle it on the glass. Add a very little bit of water to the compound.

I have found that covering one side of the glass that will be your ground glass with masking tape helps you grip the glass to move it around. Also it keeps the non-ground side from getting scratched.

Take your glass and set it on top of the glass with the grinding compound and water with the masking tape side up. Start moving the glass around in a circular motion. It may be hard to get it going at first, add a little more water if needed. Continue moving the glass in random circular motions. If the glass sticks together and becomes to hard to move slide it off the bottom glass and add a few more drops of water if needed. Keep at it for about 15 to 20 minutes. Do not be in a hurry, the more complete grind that you do the brighter the ground glass will be.

When you feel like you have been at it long enough, find a sink and wash the compound off. Remove the masking tape and let the glass dry off. When the glass is dry you should see a nice piece of ground glass. If it is not done yet simply return to your work area and continue.

Pretty simple process and the best of all it is almost free to make your own ground glass.

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This site updated on August 29, 2005