Thibaud Taudin-Chabot commented >Toni: I see the gnomon being refelcted on the surface. My experience is in >that case that it is rather difficult to read the shadow instead of the >refelxion. I suggest to mat the surface slightly to increase the readability. >Thibaud >
Agreed! This is the eternal problem of anyone making sundials for 'presentation' purposes. The client wants something that looks 'sparkling new' and certainly NOT the dull matt surface which is ideal for shadow casting. I try to compromise with a 'brushed' finish using 600 grit abrasive. This yields a surface which produces a feint 'compromise' shadow on a 'bright' surface for presentation, after which the natural patination process will take place....and then there is gold plating on a bead-blasted surface for a lovely golden 'eggshell' finish if funds permit. One thing I have never been able to fathom is WHY, if confronted with polished brass, people feel an overpowering compulsion to finger it! :-( .... :-) You can't win! Best Wishes Tony I have some JPEGs of Patrick, presentation dial in hand, but am something loth to inflict them on the main List!...perhaps to my faithful JPEGGERS!
