Mach2GTO-L cross-threading cw shaft? #Mach2GTO
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Dear all,
I've just received my brand new Mach2GTO and Eagle pier and am over the moon, despite one of the Eagle's feet having apparently suffered some minor damage. Onto my questions: I've found quite a bit of resistance trying to thread the counterweight shaft and am worried about cross-threading. Is this normal? How much force did you have to apply to fully thread your Mach2GTO cw shaft the first time around? Do you find it easier to properly thread the cw from a specific position? I'm encountering significant resistance no matter how patiently I try it. Admittedly, I'm being very cautious as to not ruin my brand new mount. Thanks and CS! P. |
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Inspect the shaft threads to make sure there's not a "ding" in them. If so a little light file action will fix that. The female threads in the mount are more protected and less likely to get a ding. You might put a little light grease on the male CW shaft threads. Make sure you're lined up and supporting the weight of the shaft with your hands. If you're threading it by hand I don't think you can damage it cross threading. .....unless you have REALLY strong hands!
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Hi Stacey, thanks for the reply. I don't see any dings on the shaft nor the female threads. While attempting to thread it last time, I was unable to get it to "go" after a certain point. Removing the thread, I noticed a few small metal shavings... hence my concern and this post! Next time I'll try a bit of grease. Thanks
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Ted Moss
Coincidentally- I have the same problem, my Mach 2 was shipped 6/14/2022. I now have the time to my Mach 2 on the Eagle pier. I have the counter weight shaft in and rotate 2-1/2 revolutions, where upon the the counter weight shaft binds and is no longer able to continue being screwed in. I tried anti-seize lubricant on both the counter weight shaft's external threads as well as applying the anti-seize lubricant on the internal mount's threads with no success. I'll probably have to call and see what the good people at Astro-Physics would suggest.
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Cheng-Yang Tan
There is an entire thread about this about cross threading which *may* apply to the Mach2. cytan
On Monday, July 18, 2022 at 09:47:36 AM CDT, Ted Moss <ghoast@...> wrote:
Coincidentally- I have the same problem, my Mach 2 was shipped 6/14/2022. I now have the time to my Mach 2 on the Eagle pier. I have the counter weight shaft in and rotate 2-1/2 revolutions, where upon the the counter weight shaft binds and is no longer able to continue being screwed in. I tried anti-seize lubricant on both the counter weight shaft's external threads as well as applying the anti-seize lubricant on the internal mount's threads with no success. I'll probably have to call and see what the good people at Astro-Physics would suggest. |
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fernandorivera3
Use a toothbrush to remove the small metal shavings from between the threads.
Fernando |
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Roland Christen
If you can thread the counterweight shaft on all the way, then a bit of lubrication will help.
I have found that putting the Dec axis upside down can help with threading the shaft on. That way you are not working against gravity and it is easier to see that the shaft is going in straight.
If your shaft does not fit properly and binds part of the way, please let us know right away.
Roland Christen
Astro-Physics Inc.
-----Original Message-----
From: Peds <arruda.pedro@...> To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Sent: Mon, Jul 18, 2022 9:05 am Subject: [ap-gto] Mach2GTO-L cross-threading cw shaft? #Mach2GTO Dear all,
I've just received my brand new Mach2GTO and Eagle pier and am over the moon, despite one of the Eagle's feet having apparently suffered some minor damage. Onto my questions: I've found quite a bit of resistance trying to thread the counterweight shaft and am worried about cross-threading. Is this normal? How much force did you have to apply to fully thread your Mach2GTO cw shaft the first time around? Do you find it easier to properly thread the cw from a specific position? I'm encountering significant resistance no matter how patiently I try it. Admittedly, I'm being very cautious as to not ruin my brand new mount. Thanks and CS! P. -- Roland Christen Astro-Physics |
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Jeff B
Great tip Roland! Thanks! Jeff
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George
P,
There may be some metal filings that are stuck in the threads of the mount’s shaft adapter. Use a toothbrush and see if you can dislodge them; then apply a little lube.
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@... Video Tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/astrophysicscorp
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Roland Christen via groups.io
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 11:26 AM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mach2GTO-L cross-threading cw shaft? #Mach2GTO
If you can thread the counterweight shaft on all the way, then a bit of lubrication will help. I have found that putting the Dec axis upside down can help with threading the shaft on. That way you are not working against gravity and it is easier to see that the shaft is going in straight.
If your shaft does not fit properly and binds part of the way, please let us know right away.
Roland Christen Astro-Physics Inc.
-----Original Message----- Dear all,
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@ Ted: interesting to know you're having the same issue
@ Cytan: I've read the thread, thanks! Hopefully it doesn't come to that! @ Roland, Fernando and George: thanks for the great tips. I've always tried the Dec upside down trick. However, I've yet to try cleaning with a toothbrush and I haven't lubed it either. A quick visual inspection seemed to show it was quite clean inside, which is why I had not thought it necessary, but you never know! I'll give it a go and if it still binds... |
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Ted Moss
@Peds: I have been having an instructive email exchange with George Whitney. @Cytan: I as well…have read your posting. Quite the read.
1. I have used a machinist scribe with the short bend..to trace out the internal mount threading for the counter weight shaft. Next, used both a raised nylon brush…then short raised nylon brush. 2. Applied same procedure for external counter weight shaft. Wiped off excess anti seize lubricant. 3. Went 2-1/4 revolutions from having the Dec upside down and also right side up. The binding is very pronounced after 2-1/4 revolutions. I wouldn’t apply a rubber strap to go any further. From my novice observations..I’ve done all recommendations; but I have an impression that this might be something to confirm with George as far as the machining of the shaft. I wish I knew someone who had a Mach 2 locally...where upon….I could check my counter weight shaft threading to another Mach 2. I might ring up a local (Agena Astro or OPT)..to see if they have a Mach 2. 4. Thank you for everyone’s suggestions….!!
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Hi all, A-P could make a fortune selling mount Dopp kits - bespoke toothbrush, scented lubes… just saying! ;) Thanks for the suggestions and hope this thread helps someone else in the future. |
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George
P,
Most excellent…a happy ending…
Regards,
George
George Whitney Astro-Physics, Inc. Phone: 815-222-6538 (direct line) Phone: 815-282-1513 (office) Email: george@... Video Tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/astrophysicscorp
From: main@ap-gto.groups.io <main@ap-gto.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Peds
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 9:38 AM To: main@ap-gto.groups.io Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Mach2GTO-L cross-threading cw shaft?
Hi all, A-P could make a fortune selling mount Dopp kits - bespoke toothbrush, scented lubes… just saying! ;) Thanks for the suggestions and hope this thread helps someone else in the future. |
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Ted Moss
Unfortunately, I was not successful. I had to use rubber strap wrench to full screw the counter weight shaft. About ¾ of the threaded shaft was muscled through to the end. I backed it out with rubber strap wrench with the same resistance as experienced threading it through. I checked afterwards for metal shaving or metal bits….none. As noted….this acme threaded which impressed me; but I can’t account for the resistance. I’m working with George on this. |
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Cheng-Yang Tan
IMO, the stainless steel sleeve may actually not be an improvement over the previous no-sleeve design. I have gone back to the original aluminum counterweight shaft adapter on my AP1100 that did not have the sleeve. Cold weld joints give me the sweats :) cytan
On Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at 02:16:23 PM CDT, Ted Moss <ghoast@...> wrote:
Unfortunately, I was not successful. I had to use rubber strap wrench to full screw the counter weight shaft. About ¾ of the threaded shaft was muscled through to the end. I backed it out with rubber strap wrench with the same resistance as experienced threading it through. I checked afterwards for metal shaving or metal bits….none. As noted….this acme threaded which impressed me; but I can’t account for the resistance. I’m working with George on this. |
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Ted Moss
(Follow Up)- I communicated with George Whitney from Astro-Physics where upon he arrived at an immediate temporary solution and then final resolvent. 1) Within a two-day turnaround- Astro-Physics sent a custom 1.875 Diameter shaft, 3.5” long 2) This would screw in the mount’s internal threaded counter weight receptacle. 3) Then, I was able to thread on the original counter weight shaft to the 3.5” adapter. 4) Problem was solved by an elegant solution 5) Astro-Physics will send me a corrected normal counter weight shaft when production run finishes. 6) What can one say but the obvious…Astro-Physics takes care of their clients/customers with their incredible professional response. George was very responsive to my emails, and with a two day turn-around for shipping a temporary fix….I am able to enjoy this weekend…new moon. Touché – Astro-Physics! A deep hearted “Thank You!” and much gratitude! Respectively, the other George.   |
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Harley Davidson
VERY nice Ted!
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tony On 7/23/2022 3:05 PM, Ted Moss wrote:
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Cheng-Yang Tan
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On Saturday, July 23, 2022, 2:09 PM, Harley Davidson <astrocnc@...> wrote:
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