Counter Weights for G-11

Well, I was going to buy some smaller counter weights for the G-11, it came with a 21 lb weight. Looking at the prices they are asking for them, I decided to drill out some 1" bore weights that I have here. Went down to a local machine shop that said they would do it, for $80!!!! That was actually 1/2 of their normal minimum labor! 8O So I found a 1.25" drill bit at Harbor Freight for $12, but shipping was $7, so it cost me $20 bucks. I figure, this is still cheap when you consider the cost of having it done and that many places wanted $80-120 for a drill bit of that size. Now I will have to wait for them to ship it too me. Next week hopefully and then I get to try it out.
When you want a weight with a 1.25" or larger bore they seem to go up in price, now I think I know why.

Floyd, wear your safety glasses on that operation!!!!

I ran into the same problem with costs when I was looking for a 5" hole saw.

The Casady weights are expensive, but they sure are nice.

Good luck, and do update.

Richard

Wow, Floyd. 21 lbs? What size are you looking for?
I am using a 7 lb. weight on my GM-8, but it came with an 11 lb. too.
Let me know if you'd like to borrow it long term.
I can't imagine needing all that, even if I upgrade the TV-85.
Linton

We should have a borrowing program for oversized drill bits used for making weights...I bought one for my lxd650 and used it once...then passed it along to another person who needed to use it.

Well Floyd you're sure spending a lot of money for no reason. One night I forgot my 2nd counterweight for the G11/C14. I had one 21 lb but left the other one at home.

Fortunately my observing buddies contributed their soda bottles which I filled with water. About four 20 ouncers as I recall. Maybe five, but I don't think so. I used a velcro strap. With the one counterweight I had all the way at the bottom, I used it as a table to arrange the water-filled soda bottles around the CW shaft. Then I cinched the velcro belt around them and they were securely in place from one side to the other.

With this system I was good for the night. I was a bit out of balance but by tightening the clutches I could do what I wanted to do. So for economy's sake I suggest you just go to the recycling bin and get some soda bottles....and on a more serious note, something like that filled with lead shot would do fine.

regards
Greg N