4",5",6" ANASTIGMATS

[criverside]

Hi JohnDaniel

I haven't made it yet. I was talking to Mike about building a mount with Pillow block bearings I have accumulated but it would result in a "large" mount and heavy! I have had second thoughts on what I need. I am now thinking a strong but light weight German Equatorial mount, but kept as compact as possible and using inexpensive bearings and light materials, using as many off the self parts in the drive Mechanism as I can. I am still I the early design phase, but I have a good Idea of its basic form. It must be installable / removable by one person from the pier and handle up to +80 lb. and be quick to machine---I have my work cut for me!

I have access to a lathe I gave my Son, but I have to go to his house to use it. I am thinking about getting another lathe and a large mill from a machinist friend, giving them to my Son then taking my lathe and his table top mill back to my garage, so I can work at my leisure.

Its another work in progress! ----- Craig

[criverside]

Hi again JohnDaniel---your last post wasn't up when I started my post.

I have some 1 7/8" Stainless Steel I had saved for a mount but Its going to add a lot of weight so I am leaning toward lighter Material which will in turn require design changes.

You mention 2' and 3" bearings, are you talking bearing I.D. or O.D.? I am currently thinking of shaft Dia. of 1 3/4" possibly larger. That could end up sized down a bit as I re-enter the real world. I tend to "over-build". I will also use the same size for both axis, keeping things simple-----Craig

[johndaniel]

I have two 2" OD x 1.25" ID aluminum shafts. I was planing on inserting a 1.25" diameter solid steal shaft into the end of the above and attach counter weights and drive mechanism.
I am also trying to design this mount with as little machining as possible. Since I don't have access to a mill or lathe.
I am using AutoCAD to help with the design process.
Keep me informed on your progress.
Thank you, JohnDaniel

[criverside]

Go for it JohnDaniel,

mounts don't have to be complicated, I can remember making them out of steel pipe Tees and pipe with babbitt bearings. It made a good equatorial mount-----Craig