Kaleido-Tech

ISSUE

Mirror fitting: 01
June
2010
I know I have always tried to figure out how to get a specific set of mirrors cut
to fit a specific sized tube. There are various ways and methods to accomplish
this, and we may get to more in the near future. One way is by a table. A
table in this case is not the horizontal surface you may be using to either cut
parts or to assemble your kaleidoscopes on (or both), but is a chart where you
can look up information. Here is a simple table of kaleidoscope mirrors, what this issue
the degree between the mirrors are and the sizes of the mirrors (starting at ¼
Welcome P.1
inch (or cm if metric) up to 1 inch (or cm), then in the second table, 2 inches to
Mirror Fitting Tables P.2
5 inches. The columns labeled ID is what the inside diameter of the tube
should be to fit the mirror system within it. It is NOT all encompassing and
makes a lot of assumptions about the assembly methods. In simple terms, it
may be very accurate or gets close. It can come in useful.

Welcome to the first issue.

Welcome to the first issue of Kaleido-Tech, a I would like to introduce you to the heart of

newsletter addressing the techniques, the kaleidoscope, the mirrors. In most cases,
points sides degree width ID width ID width ID width ID
people start with how to cut them, or how to
4 8 45.0000 0.25 0.2706 0.50 0.5412 0.75 0.8118 1 1.0824 technology, materials and methods of making
5 10 36.0000 0.25 0.2629 0.50 0.5257 0.75 0.7886 1 1.0515 glue or tape them to hold them at the proper
kaleidoscopes and making them quicker,
6 12 30.0000 0.25 0.2588 0.50 0.5176 0.75 0.7765 1 1.0353 angle to get the image you want. Even more
easier and better. Lofty goals indeed. I hope
7 14 25.7143 0.25 0.2564 0.50 0.5129 0.75 0.7693 1 1.0257 common is how to make a kaleidoscope. I
8 16 22.5000 0.25 0.2549 0.50 0.5098 0.75 0.7647 1 1.0196 this will be the first of many such issues of decided to go way past that convention, so
9 18 20.0000 0.25 0.2539 0.50 0.5077 0.75 0.7616 1 1.0154 this newsletter. people may get the idea of what and where I
10 20 18.0000 0.25 0.2531 0.50 0.5062 0.75 0.7593 1 1.0125
11 22 16.3636 0.25 0.2526 0.50 0.5051 0.75 0.7577 1 1.0103 It will not be published on a regular or routine want this newsletter to go.
12 24 15.0000 0.25 0.2522 0.50 0.5043 0.75 0.7565 1 1.0086 basis, so don’t expect one out each month, or Please don’t get me wrong, I love those other
points sides degree width ID width ID width ID width ID ideas and hope that we can have them here
every other month. It will be published when
4 8 45.0000 2 2.1648 3 3.2472 4 4.3296 5 5.4120 for all to enjoy, but I am trying to show how I
5 10 36.0000 2 2.1029 3 3.1544 4 4.2058 5 5.2573 someone submits something we should print
see this dream fits in the kaleidoscope world.
6 12 30.0000 2 2.0706 3 3.1058 4 4.1411 5 5.1764 up. It might come out twice in a month, or just
7 14 25.7143 2 2.0514 3 3.0772 4 4.1029 5 5.1286 This was the mistake I made in the past of not
once a year. My dream is for it to be
8 16 22.5000 2 2.0392 3 3.0588 4 4.0784 5 5.0980 showing how my efforts were “different” and
9 18 20.0000 2 2.0309 3 3.0463 4 4.0617 5 5.0771 published often. addressed a different audiance than what
10 20 18.0000 2 2.0249 3 3.0374 4 4.0499 5 5.0623 The nice part is that it is free. Please make as others have addressed with their “media.”
11 22 16.3636 2 2.0206 3 3.0308 4 4.0411 5 5.0514
many copies as you want to share with Yes, I still hope to show you how to make a
12 24 15.0000 2 2.0173 3 3.0259 4 4.0345 5 5.0431
kaleidoscope in future editions. I plan to cover
These tables are copyright © 1989-2010 B, Bensley anyone interested.

You are also free to submit material and cutting methods and methods of holding the
mirrors in place to create that wonderful
ideas for the newsletter and full credit will be
image you want in all your kaleidoscopes.
The kaleidoscope image on the first page is from Microsoft’s clipart and has an appropriate given. I only ask that you properly source any
mark on it. This is up to all those who want to read this
and all references you may use.
and who want to help create a great resource
for kaleidoscopes and kaleidoscopemaking.
Start dreaming!
Kaleido-Tech Issue 01 June 2010 Copyright © 2010 B. Bensley