[ATM] ATM- GEM declination clutch

[dave g <omegacent@yahoo.com>]

G'day Thomas,

> offered to send .dwg files off line, and if you don't mind.....
 
Right'O, I have sent some files to the address you specified.
 
>Where I'm confused on this issue is how stiff I need to make the
>pressure and backing plates.
 

You need to make the opposing plates stiff enough so that the faces remain parallel when loaded.  It is a good idea to lap the faces to ensure they are flat and smooth.  I fondly remember the hours pulling apart my fishing reels and lapping the drag washers with wet and dry paper on glass plate backing to ensure the drag was smoooooth and strong.  Same principle applies to any clutch.


> All that said, since this would be for a Dec axis, and therefore
> loaded infrequently (except for slewing)
 
Or when the wind blows...
 
> would I be able to fabricate the pressure and backing plates out of, let's say,
> 1/8 inch thick 6061 T6 plate...
 
I'd go for 1/4inch... but what you suggest is fine. 
 
> That would leave some way of loading the clutch...
 
A centre push or pull screw is one method, or a ring of 6 small screws on about a  5" PCD is another but a bit harder to set.
 
Regards
 
Dave
Australia


		
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