This will be my first real project with my Enco 9x20 lathe. I need to make a number of counter weights for a telescope. See photo below for an example of a commercially available counterweight.
The weights need to be stainless steel and approximately 10 lbs each. After looking at the scale of the telescope mount, it looks like 6-inch diameter SS round stock would work and look good. The weights need to have a central hole to slide on a 2-inch SS shaft. There also needs to be a radial hole drilled and tapped for a locking pin. I'm not sure why the one in the photo has what looks like a brass sleeve. Perhaps this is to prevent marring the shaft.
I am motivated to do this on my own because the commercially available counter weights are very expensive, approx. $150 - $200 each.
I did the math and a 1-inch thick, 6-inch diameter round with a 2-inch diameter hole weighs approx. 7.3 lbs, so a 1.4 inch 'slice' would weigh close to 10 lb.
Questions:
Can my little lathe handle this material?
I guess I would start with a length of 6-inch round SS stock and then use a parting tool to cut off 1.4 inch slices?
What would be the bast way to hold a 1 foot piece in the lathe?
Or, is it better to rough cut these slices on a band saw and then finish/machine each piece.
Is it best to bore the 2-inch hole completely through the stock first and then cut the slices?
Finally, any suggestions for a reasonable cost source. I was a bit shocked at the prices I have found for on line, anywhere from $50 - $75 per inch based on 6-inch diameter 304.
The weights need to be stainless steel and approximately 10 lbs each. After looking at the scale of the telescope mount, it looks like 6-inch diameter SS round stock would work and look good. The weights need to have a central hole to slide on a 2-inch SS shaft. There also needs to be a radial hole drilled and tapped for a locking pin. I'm not sure why the one in the photo has what looks like a brass sleeve. Perhaps this is to prevent marring the shaft.
I am motivated to do this on my own because the commercially available counter weights are very expensive, approx. $150 - $200 each.
I did the math and a 1-inch thick, 6-inch diameter round with a 2-inch diameter hole weighs approx. 7.3 lbs, so a 1.4 inch 'slice' would weigh close to 10 lb.
Questions:
Can my little lathe handle this material?
I guess I would start with a length of 6-inch round SS stock and then use a parting tool to cut off 1.4 inch slices?
What would be the bast way to hold a 1 foot piece in the lathe?
Or, is it better to rough cut these slices on a band saw and then finish/machine each piece.
Is it best to bore the 2-inch hole completely through the stock first and then cut the slices?
Finally, any suggestions for a reasonable cost source. I was a bit shocked at the prices I have found for on line, anywhere from $50 - $75 per inch based on 6-inch diameter 304.
