After pondering the idea of casting blanks,i have finally come to the conclusion that the least complex and expensive route to go in making
a mirror blank is the fused cellular ribbed mirror
,thanks to richard schwartz,he has a very informative web site which goes into some detail
about this process.
I had the idea that a frit was required(powdered glass between ribs and faceplate/backplate)to initiate bonding, this i found out was incorrect.
I have come to realize that the anneal cycle is not the super critical process ive been led to believe, very important, but not supercritical.
1/2" to 3/4" or so plate or pyrex can be purchased at a "reasonable price", and a fused cellular with 6:1 ratio has the stiffness of a
solid blank the same diameter and much lighter,
The advantages are obvious!.