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Focuser Opening

Started by sauvain, 12/07/2005 01:57AM
Posted 12/07/2005 01:57AM Opening Post
Does anyone have a good technique for making an opening in an aluminum tube to mount a focuser? I can't think of an easy way to make a clean smooth cut.
Posted 12/07/2005 02:11AM #1
I would use an electricians hole punch. They go through steel cabinets easily.

Next favorite is to back the tube up on the inside with a block of wood and use a hole saw at slow speed.

Gary Klein
Posted 12/07/2005 04:47AM #2
And it would be a good idea to remove the mirrors from the tube before cutting the hole, regardless of the method you choose. 8)
Posted 12/17/2005 06:51AM | Edited 12/17/2005 06:52AM #3
Larry Sauvain said:

Does anyone have a good technique for making an opening in an aluminum tube to mount a focuser? I can't think of an easy way to make a clean smooth cut.

I'd take it to a machine shop. They'll make a clean job of it and it will be worth what they'll charge. I've had small jobs like that done at machine shops before and the amount they charged was quite reasonable.

Rex Cox

Oklahoma State University--The University of Oklahoma!--GO POKES!! GO STATE!!