Re: ATM Aluminum instead of ebony star for side bearings

[jdo348@airmail.net (Jerry Dove)]

On Wed, 9 Jun 1999 11:47:41 +0700 , you wrote:

        Hi Bob,

        You might try making another template from a square piece
plywood that has a radius about 1/8" larger than your bearing surface.
Then just apply epoxy to the bearing surface, then push the aluminum
and template against the bearing and clamp to get it tight. That would
insure that you get a smooth curve.  Then add screws to the ends after
it sets to hold the ends secure.  Maybe pre-bend the aluminum a little
first, as mentioned in another post.
        
        Just a thought, maybe not for one though.
        
                        Jerry
                        Lat.     32"  40'
                        Long.  97"  27'



>Hi guys,
>
>I'm going to use aluminum bar on my side bearings, instead of laminate
>the bearings with ebony star. This one is for my briefcase scope. The
>bar is about 1" wide and 1/8" thick, the bearings will be made of
>plywood. 
>
>I need some advice from you guys on how to attach the bar to the
>bearing. Should I use glue or will screws work better? How do I maintain
>the arc form? Will it deform later?
>Does the bar have to be bent first before attaching it to the bearings? 
>How do you bend it? heat it slowly and then bend it? Will it work if I
>heat it with flame from, say, a stove? 
>
>Thank in advance,
>Bob P. Sumitro
>Jakarta, Indonesia
>
>visit my still-under-construction astronomy and telescope making page:
>http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Hall/2670/