A method is here described for generating circular cylindrical surfaces of large radius of curvature on blocks of steel or other material with a close approach to optical precision utilizing an ordinary machine shop surface grinder. Convex and concave surfaces about 3×5 inches in dimensions with radii of curvature of 79 inches (two meters) have been ground by this method both on cast iron and on stainless‐steel blocks with a precision of about 0.0002 inches as regards surface imperfections. A very moderate amount of subsequent lapping sufficed to give surfaces of optical precision. The surfaces are used for clamping lamina of crystalline quartz for use in a curved crystal focusing gamma ray spectrometer. A companion paper describes the gamma ray spectrometer.