[ATM] Using brass

[Polaraligned <polaraligned@optonline.net>]

Hi Dan,
Brass is probably the easiest of all metals to machine.
Surface finishes are excellent.  Unfortunately, it is a very
heavy metal.  I would recommend using all aluminum and having
it brass plated.  You will find that aluminum is available in a
much wider selections of sizes, and is more reasonably priced
than brass.  Some smaller components, such as knobs, you can just
make out of solid brass.  Talk to a local plater.  Plating brass on
alum is a 2 step process with copper, I believe, to be the
intermediate plating coat.
It sounds like a really fine project.

Good luck,
Scott





> Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2006 17:01:04 -0600
> From: "Dan" <starmandan@hotmail.com>
> Subject: [ATM] Using brass
> To: <atm@atmlist.net>
> Message-ID: <BAY125-DAV22C1DFE39763CB5031A7FD2CF0@phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> I'm wanting to build an antique looking dob using brass tube for the three
> struts (to keep weight down) as well as for connecting the two halves of 
> the
> primary and secondary mirror cage assemblies.  Having never worked with
> brass to this extent before, what drawbacks or problems can I expect aside
> from the added weight?  Also, anyone know of a source for brass focusers 
> or
> plans to build one?  One of the reasons I'm doing this is to make the 
> scope
> look more like a piece of furniture than a scope since my wife hates it 
> when
> I leave my scopes out in the family room.  She says they look "ugly". 
> What
> have you done to make your scope more aesthetically pleasing?
>
> Thanks,
> Dan

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