Question for Machinists

[Alk8944]

It's simple, just Google what you are looking for, say "Spotting Scope Mount". Look over this E-bay page and see if you find what you are looking for. The search took about 15 seconds to find this, a lot longer to type about it!

spotting scope mount | eBay

 

[paplinker]

funny you mentioned the sliding bar that fits on a gun box for a scope mount. I am currently looking for one myself for a 1960s shooters box.

 

[cowart]

I literally couldn't find jigsaw blades in the local Home Depot last week.

They have at least 100 types listed on their website. You might need to order them.

 

[alwslate]

I think your real problem is that you are starting out with an invalid
assumption that the slotted bars and similar parts are generic. I doubt
there is any catalog of finished "generic" components. Many such
products will be made for a specific application but will be cheap
stampings with no machining done. Also I can testify that after having
access to mills and lathes trying to make much of anything with simple
hand tools at home can be incredibly difficult. Your best bet in limited
space at home would be to invest in a small table top mill and lathe or
maybe a combo that runs on 110 volts and learn to use them. Flat and
round stock steel, brass and aluminum are available from home
improvement stores. Garage sales would likely let you build a stash of
items that could be repurposed.

 

[Tom S.]

Maybe you should consider looking into a 3D printer?

 

[BigBoy99]

Besides, there are things of which I don't have pictures. I'd have to draw them either in Corel Draw, or by hand and scan them.

As they say, "A picture is worth a thousand words."

 

[Mickey D]

Here is a resource for additional craft and material supplies.

Aircraft Spruce

 

[cmort666]

You will need this, or something like it.

That sounds about right.

Half-Price Books used to be a good place for such things. The one up the road closed. I'll have to try the one near the mall.

Thanks.

 

[cmort666]

Here is a resource for additional craft and material supplies.

Aircraft Spruce

They seem like a good source right out of the gate.

Thanks.

 

[cmort666]

As they say, "A picture is worth a thousand words."

I'm not looking for anything specific right now. I'm looking for ways to determine what I need.

 

[cmort666]

Maybe you should consider looking into a 3D printer?

I thought about it.

I'm not sure what the mechanical strength of the parts is these days.

Most of what I would be making would have to have the mechanical strength to safely support or control the movement of $1,000 worth of DSLR, macro lens, extension tubes and speed light.

Aluminum, no problem. Whatever synthetic material a deposition printer uses, I don't know.

 

[cmort666]

funny you mentioned the sliding bar that fits on a gun box for a scope mount. I am currently looking for one myself for a 1960s shooters box.

Try Champion's Choice (where I got mine) or Champion's Shooter Supply.

 

[cmort666]

Your best bet in limited space at home would be to invest in a small table top mill and lathe or maybe a combo that runs on 110 volts and learn to use them.

I was looking at small mills last night.

Based on reviews, they seem to have issues with slack and poor build quality. I'm not sure where the quality cut-off is, but it appears to be at around the $1,500 mark.

 

[snake803]

Try this.....
Aluminum Range Box Bracket for Spotting Scope Mount


JIM...................

 

[walter o]

Do you live near a collage that has an engineering program ? they are often willing and able to help out with stock and ,or machining help on small personal projects.I live across from Purdeu extension and often have help in designing parts.

 

[DWalt]

For many years I have used a miniature Sherline lathe with a milling attachment - allows milling, drilling, and lathe work. Not much you can't do with it, plus a Dremel tool and typical hand tools. I bought mine used at an estate sale, and I think I have less than $200 invested. Lots of similar items can be found on eBay. See: Home - Sherline Products

Only problem is that you cannot handle large jobs. I've even done woodwork on mine. Several years ago, my son needed a large number of specially-shaped pieces made from 1" wood dowel stock, and I turned them out on my Sherline.

 

[cmort666]

For many years I have used a miniature Sherline lathe with a milling attachment - allows milling, drilling, and lathe work. Not much you can't do with it, plus a Dremel tool and typical hand tools. I bought mine used at an estate sale, and I think I have less than $200 invested. Lots of similar items can be found on eBay. See: Home - Sherline Products

Is that the brand you'd recommend?

I'm primarily interested in small metal working projects, mostly involving camera, flash and light mounts. I won't be doing anything bigger than a camera flash bracket, and probably mostly in thin aluminum bars and square tubing. What some companies get for relatively simple items is outrageous. I'd rather spend $10-$15 to make something than buy it for $250, especially when I'll be getting exactly what ***I*** want.

 

[DWalt]

There are other brands of mini-lathes, some made in China and sold by places like Northern Tools. The Sherline is the only one I have used, so I can't comment on any others. In addition to my ever-present Dremel tool, it's also a good idea to have a tap and die set plus corresponding drills.

 

[cmort666]

BTW - Here's one of the things I was looking to buy or fabricate:

These come in 2 1/8" without hardware, which is exactly what I was looking for.

 

[Harrydale]

Google a company called "CARR-LANE". They are a very old company based in St.Louis MO. I think this may be what you are looking for.