Can someone do some milling work for me?

[Octane]

Hi all,

Forgive me if I have the terminology incorrect (I'm a gumby when it comes to things like this).

I have a plate that I wish to install on top of my FSQ, so that I can put my guidescope on top. However, the bolts that are on the FSQ's rings, are the same thickness as the milling on the plate (10mm, I believe), and, they don't protrude from the top of the plate so I can't put a nut on there to tighten it.

I need someone to mill (probably) 20mm wide by 10mm deep, effectively making it countersunk.

Does anyone have the means to do this (will pay, of course) or guide me in the right direction?

Will post a picture of the existing plate when I get home.

H

[spiezzy]

hi there Octane if you know someone with a drill press this could be easily done any metal fabricator would be able to accommodate you with this and would not cost much at all hope this helps
cheers Pete

[Octane]

Here's a couple of pics.

Cheers.

H

[multiweb]

You can get a couple of carbide drill bits from bunnings to do the job H. Alu is very soft to work with.

[LewisM]

H,

Go the other way - go to Bunnings, buy longer 6mm bolts (since you use the clamshell, these are 6mm). Remove the bolts from the clamshells, put plate on top, insert new longer cap bolts from the top plate screwing into the clamshells. Voila :)

You are a mechanical gumby :) :) :P :P

PS: buy the K-astec 114mm ring set and problem solved as it comes with a top plate :) If you want to, there is a 2 month wait while Tomi makes new sets - I am on the list. I use them on the 106ED, and they are sublime.

[LewisM]

PS: my answer assumes you are still using the double Tak clamshells with the single camera mount screw protruding as it was when I serviced the unit. These cap bolts unscrew from underneath :)

[Octane]

Oh, I didn't even think about unscrewing the bolts from the clamshells!

The reason I want to do this is because I bought Parallax rings (seen in picture).

Looks like I'll be going to Bunnings tomorrow!

Cheers.

H

[Kunama]

The centre bolt in the Tak clamshell is 1/4" UNC for camera attachment

But take the ones you have and try them with a UNC nut to make sure

[Octane]

Is it going to tear the green felt lining when I unscrew them from underneath?

I can't touch my gear at the moment as it's capturing data.

H

[Kunama]

On some Tak clams the felt covers the screw head, others not. If yours does, just use a sharp knife to cut a slit and you'll be able to get the bolt out.

The clamshell hole is threaded so you could just put the dovetail on top and insert the same machine screws in the opposite direction and they will be long enough.
Personally I prefer longer screws and a nyloc nut on top.

[LewisM]

H, underneath there is no felt in the recess for the bolts.

Matt is right - they are 1/4 UNC - need to go to a good shop. Buy stainless preferably.

If need be, I have some spares - maybe 50 or so :)

[LewisM]

Also H, flip the Los plate upside down and check if those slots aren't already recessed - if they are - like MOST Los plates are - simply flip the plate and screw the originals back into the Tak clamshells (head in the slots, NOT the clamshell).

Otherwise, I have a spare Los plate that IS recessed, and seeing I do not use Los plates, it is surplus to needs... I am sure you have something I need :)

[Octane]

The plate that my FSQ sits on is a Robin Casady plate.

The plate that's in my picture above is just some after market plate that has random holes drilled through it. I want to use this one as it is lightweight. I had someone in Caloundra drill holes up the length of it for me to be able to place the Parallax rings wherever I wanted.

I've got a few night's worth of data I need to collect and once that's done, then, I'll pull the whole rig apart and sort this out.

Cheers!

H

[LewisM]

Nah, leave the Cassidy alone - just fiddle with the generic thing.

[Octane]

Hrm, can't find UNC cap bolts on Bunning's site. Just M* stuff. :(

H

[LewisM]

That is why I said go to a GOOD shop...

I have some if'n ya need em. Matt might too if you ask nicely, and he's a LOT closer than me :) Or Phil Robustellini.

[LewisM]

OK, I have an ADM Losmandy plate, almost new and unused.All holes on the bottom are recessed so you could use the original Tak screws.

If you want it, just ask :)

[Octane]

Any suggestions for a good hardware shop? :)

I thought Bunnings carried everything!

Damn you, Takahashi! Making life difficult since their inception!

H

[Octane]

Would you mind taking a picture of it so I can see where the centre holes are, and, whether they'd line up with my setup? Does it also have holes for the Parallax rings?

Let me know how much + postage.

H

[LewisM]

Pic from ADM. The plate I have is the 2nd from the right with the 5 lengthwise holes. The spacing centre to centre of the holes is 5cm (2") and the width apart is also 2" centre to centre (or 2.54 cm to the centre hole where applicable). The only difference is mine does NOT have the 2 closely spaced holes at each end (only the centreline small safety screw hole).

http://www.admaccessories.com/D_Series_Universal.htm?

ADM's blurb: "DUP11- 11" Universal Dovetail Plate for Losmandy style saddle plates. .5" thick. Will fit G-11, Celestron CI700 mounts. 11" long with one 4.5" long slot along the center for 1/4"x20 socket head cap screw or 1/4"x20 button head cap screw. Holes are 2" apart center to center to accommodate Parallax and other style rings. "

Price new is $65 US without post... how does $50 Aus posted sound?

[Octane]

I think I have one of those plates. It's too small. :(

I'll have a look tomorrow and get back to you.

Thanks, mate.

H

[LewisM]

You can space the rings for the FS60 CLOSER - there is no real benefit spacing them wide.

[Octane]

Sorry, I tell fibs. I just had a look. I have a small ADM-clone. The far right one.

OK, so, the one you have, what I need is there to be at the very least, a 130mm gap, between the centre holes, so that they can go on to the two camera UNC bolts on top of the clamshells. That's the distance I just measured.

H

[Octane]

Ah, I think that one might do the trick, actually. :)

Let me know where to send some cash.

H

[LewisM]

PM inbound.

[Ric]

Hi H,

If you a looking for special bolts try

Specialty Fasteners Bolts & Nuts
17 Cessnock St, Fyshwick ACT 2609

They carry just about everything in just about every colour.

Cheers

[Octane]

Ric,

You are a champion -- thank you, so much!

H

[Kunama]

H, I thought you are in Caloundra, if I had realized you are down this way I too would sent you Specialty Fasteners. If you do need drilling done do let me know, I have access to equipment in Fyshwick.

[Octane]

Matt,

I moved back earlier this year. :)

Thank you, so much, for the offer. I'll be in touch, if required. :)

I have a nasty feeling that the plate I bought off Lewis doesn't have the right holes for the Parallax rings. My rings are for the FS-60CB and the cap head bolt holes are 40mm apart. The ADM ring's holes are 2" apart. :(

Will see how we go.

H