Source for EQ6 pier adapter plate?

[chrisp9au]

Hoping somebody can advise where I might get a pier adapter plate for my EQ6 :question:
Similar to the attached pic?

Have found a 3D printer design for an EQ6 adapter, anyone able to print one for me?
Happy to pay your price plus postage?

Link to files: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3063800

Thank you.

[The_bluester]

I am not sure if a 3D printed one would be rigid enough.

I got mine from Sidereal Trading, they have locally made ones now, mine was an import at the time. The ones they are doing locally cost about the same as I remember mine (A bit under $200) but they have three mounting holes not four (Easier to level) and look like they have teflon pads inserted in them to make azimuth adjustment easier.

[AstroApprentice]

Hi Chris,
There's quite a few options out there, varying in price.
The one you have pictured is by JTW Astronomy and is available on eBay.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Skywatcher-EQ5-EQ6-Mount-Pier-Adapter-v3/293643741686?hash=item445e87e9f6:g: mX8AAOSw3StfCOsM&frcectupt=true

Locally available option Paul described:
https://www.siderealtrading.com.au/product/sidereal-trading-eq6-pier-adapter-plate/

Overseas options:
https://www.astroshop.eu/accessories/astoptics-hd-universal-pier-adapter-for-eq6-azeq6-mounts/p,57934

http://www.tpiastro.com/Custom_pier_adapters.htm

You might also consider contacting Joshua Bunn to see if he can make one for a good price.

[chrisp9au]

Thank you for the links gentlemen, don't want to spend that much really.
Bojan and others have suggested a 3D unit would not be rigid enough,
and suggest DIY from either aluminium or even hardwood.
Out with the bench drill and angle grinder! :)
Chris

[TrevorW]

Find a local precision machining shop that do metal work take the 3d design to them and specs they could probably do one up for you under $100, assure you 3d plastic will not be rigid enough :)

[The_bluester]

I am quite sure that you could get one spun up a lot cheaper than the (Really nice) CNC ones Sidereal have, it is a pretty basic thing and really only a couple of dimensions are critical. But things like NC machined pockets with teflon pads to ease the azimuth adjustment are going to add to the price pretty quickly.

I reckon I could justify one of the Astroworkz ones due to how often I set up and fiddling around to get the az right is a bit of a pain, but I wouldn't think of telling anyone else "This is what you should buy", only that they exist as an option.

[chrisp9au]

Thank you Trevor, thank you Paul, I'm thinking I'll try the DIY option first, I can always 'upgrade' later if necessary.

[bojan]

Perhaps you can try to drill necessary holes in existing plate? So the adapter is not needed...
People are using adapters mostly because they do not want to "ruin" original items.. which is sometimes justified, but not always.

[chrisp9au]

I considered that, but I want to keep the tripod complete.
I will want to take the rig to dark skies when the opportunity arises.
Thanks Bojan

[chrisp9au]

My DIY adapter plate is now in place, levelled and solid as a rock.
$20 for 5mm aluminium sheet offcuts, plus some stainless bolts etc.
Very happy with the outcome. :)
Now comes the deck and the ROR shed.