I just thought I would post a quick "ad" I guess? I just finished making an extension for "Chippy" for his telescope and thought there may be other IISers in a similar situation. While there isn't much to making one, if you don't have a lathe, it is a pretty big job. So just drop me a PM and we can sort out the details. Material would be aluminium as it requires no further processing and is east to work with. Here are a couple of shots of my CGE extension I did for myself a few months ago.
Firstly I want to thank Trevor again for helping me out, and making the CW bar extension for my HEQ5Pro. In fact I just made an enquiry in one of the threads about them, and then without prompting Trevor offered to make me one!! This is the sort of thing that makes IIS such a great community, and Trevor is a fantastic example of going the extra yard to help someone out (who he's never even met). Can't thank you enough Trevor.
The CW bar extension works a treat, and attaches easily to the existing CW bar, so can be attached and removed as needed. Trevor made mine 200mm which has worked out very well for me. The HEQ5 and EQ6 mounts both have short CW bars, so I imagine these would be very useful to a lot of people. There is no way I could have balanced a C11 without it on this mount. Trevor's helpfulness and workmanship made it all a great experience!
Now I just need these clouds to disappear! You can't help with that as well can you Trevor?
Grab one, folks! Got mine sorted and installed yesterday - perfect. Large counterweight sits 5cm down on the extension bar, small counterweight can be moved up and down main bar to balance what I put into the focuser.
Well guys, another three more on the way. One is on its way to Canada!
Just a bit more information. Rather than threading the end of the extension, I tap the end with the same thread as used in the existing counterweight bar (usually 6mm). The joint between the extension and the existing bar is then via a steel bolt rather than aluminium. A couple of people were concerned that aluminium would not be strong enough. I hope this just clears up any concerns.
The only other dimensions I need is the diameter of the existing bar, they seem to vary betweeen 16 and 18mm, and the length, most have been 200mm. Much longer than this may put excessive strain on the joining bolt.
The joining bolt just screws into the end of the existing counterweight bar and the other end into the extension. Just cut the bolt to a length to bottom in one end, probably the shallower end, and enough length sticking out to go most of the way into the other end.
Here is mine in service. It's doing a great job and can survive being frozen! Thanks Trevor!
I fitted a rubber washer between the joins (a cut down tap washer worked well) so I can pull up tight, but unscrew easily for transport. I leave the original bar in place. (The join is under the large counterweight, sorry.)
Oldie I know, but couldn't resist it 
