Sadly, we must report that Dick Wessling Passed Away March 17, 2010.
For assistance, please contact Mark and Carol Stephenson 513-575-4470
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| 16 " f/4.3 and 12.5 " f/4 telescopes |
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About Pines Optical: (Memorial Follows)
Dick Wessling began making telescope mirrors in 1965, and he formed The Pines Optical Company in 1991. For many years Dick worked for 3M Precision Optics where he was the senior specialist for optical analysis and testing. He retired from 3M in 2006 to devote his full attention to Pines Optical and the art of creating superb telescope mirrors.
Optics are the heart of a telescope. Every Pines Optical mirror was carefully crafted by Dick. Simply put, it is not possible for mass produced mirrors like those in "catalog" telescopes to achieve the quality and performance of a mirror that has been hand figured by an expert. Dick hand figured every primary mirror he sold. The quality of these mirrors is truly breathtaking, providing pin point star images. It is fair to say that the performance of Pines Optical mirrors may be equaled but not exceeded. Consider yourself truly fortunate if you own one.
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| 8" Buchroeder Tri-Schiefspigler and 13.25" Cassegrain |
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Memorial:
Richard J. Wessling (1935-2010)
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Richard (Dick) Wessling. Dick suffered a major stroke on March 7th and passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of March 17th. Dick is survived by his wife, Noreen, Daughter, Diana, son, David, one grandson Alex, and a sister, Mary.
Dick was an avid golfer and an accomplished musician (he played the bass fiddle in a local bluegrass band – The Out to Lunch Bunch). He was also an expert skier, and served for many years as a ski instructor at Perfect North Slopes. But, Dick was most well known as one of the world’s top creators of premium quality telescope mirrors. Dick made his first mirror in 1965. He joined the Mirror Makers Club at the Cincinnati Observatory and completed a 10” f/6 mirror. It turned out so well that he soon began making mirrors for others, and in1991, he established the Pines Optical Shop.
For many years Dick worked for US Precision Lens which later became 3M Precision Optics where he was the senior specialist for optical analysis and testing. He retired from 3M in 2006 to devote his full time attention to Pines Optical.
Dick was active both in local and national amateur astronomy circles. Locally, he served as President of the Cincinnati Astronomical Society, and steadfastly supported public star gazes sponsored by the Cincinnati Astronomical Society, the Cincinnati Observatory, and the Midwestern Astronomers. He performed in numerous capacities for many years with the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers, including serving as the assistant coordinator of the Instruments Section and head of the Jupiter Section.
Dick worked with the CAS to place a fine 16” f/5.5 mirror in the existing 16 inch telescope. His legendary optical expertise was not confined to mirrors. When the primary objectives of the 1904 16" Alvan Clark and the 1842 11.25" Merz und Mahler at the Cincinnati Observatory Center needed cleaning, it was Dick who came to the rescue. Likewise, Dick performed his magic on the University of Illinois’ 12" Brashear refractor’s objective when it was being refurbished. Dick was always generous with his time, and enjoyed nothing more than sharing his expertise and advice with newbies and seasoned ATMs alike.
On the night before Dick had his stroke, he was working on a mirror, and then observed with his 10.25” f/8 and 16” f/4 Dobs. It is somewhat comforting to know that Dick’s last activities were doing the things he loved most: pushing glass and observing.
Like a supernova which, for a time, outshines everything else in the galaxy, and then is gone, Dick’s passing leaves a void in the amateur astronomy community which cannot be filled. We will miss you Dick.
By Mark & Carol Stephenson, and Steve & Sue Rismiller
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| Satisfied Customer, Mark Stephenson |
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Satisfied Customers:
As an amateur astronomer for almost 50 years, I have owned many telescopes. At a star party a few years ago, I had the opportunity to look through several telescopes with a Dick Wessling Mirror. I was amazed. Each Telescope showed the stars as perfect points of light! I didn't realize what optical perfection was until I looked through these telescopes. I sold my 14.5" f/6 Dob and ordered a 14.75" f/5.5 from Dick. My wife and I were so satisfied with this telescope that we have since purchased a 10" f/8 and a 16" f/4.3. Dick worked with us each time to build a telescope to our specific needs.
-- Dr. Mark Stephenson, Loveland, OH
I finished building a scope around the 12.5" mirror you figured and took it to Stonelick Park last Wednesday. The people out observing said they were seeing detail in nebulas they'd never seen before. The E and F stars in the trapezium jumped out, and five moons around saturn were easy. I'm sure it will provide years of enjoyment. Thanks.
--Scott Naylor, Cincinnati, OH
Based on three mirrors I have owned, I would rank Dick Wessling, of the Pines Optical Company in Milford, Ohio, as the best. His optical prowess is legendary; large tri-schiefspieglers, Yolos, Solanos, classic Cassegrains, he has made them all, anything that uses mirrors. These are Ferraris or Lanborghinis in terms of quality.
--Bill Meyers, Cincinnati, OH
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| Dick Wessling (on left) & friends with 25" Dob |
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If you are interested in obtaining a telescope or a mirror, please contact:
John Pratte at JP Astrocraft. John proudly offered Dick Wessling figured mirrors as an option for telescopes. www.jpastrocraft.com
For mirrors larger than 25 inch diameter, please contact Mike Lockwood, Lockwood Custom Optics, www.loptics.com
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| John Pratte and His "Sweet 16" Telescope |
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