AZ3 modification for altitude lock

Has anyone replaced the altitude lock nut with a knob on their AZ3 or similar alt-az mount? With a Skywatcher 80ED scope on this mount, I can't achieve balance in the alt axis and keeping the scope from slipping in alt, while still allowing some ease of movement for slewing, seems impossible with the existing nut. I'd like to replace the nut (actually a double nut on my mount) with a large lock knob, so that I can lock down the axis without tools when I am near an astro target, and then just use the slow-mo controls for acquiring it and tracking. Seems like a very simple mod, but if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.
Cheers!
Tim

Tim,

I had the exact same issues with the AZ3. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts to fix it I had made some ugly wrench marks on the lock nuts and I gave up on it. Easiest solutions I came up with were:
1) add a counterweight system to the AZ3 to correctly balance the scope or
2) get a small EQ and use it in the AZ mode by realigning the polar axis to a vertical position.

The EQ solution proved to be the best because slo-mo cables can be in a fixed position for use. For terrestial viewing it was way easier to use than the AZ3 ever was. I never did put a counterweight to the AZ3.

have fun,

dan