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SilverQ4 - 2020

Futuristic computer-controlled tripod for old telescope with acrylic

Submitted byTom
1

Design your project

First, design your project using a technical drawing program like CorelDraw. This helps you know exactly what you need.
2

Cut the acrylic

Use a computer-controlled routing table machine to cut the acrylic. This ensures clean parts.
3

Sand the sawn edges

Sand the sawn edges with various grades of sandpaper (120, 240, and 400) to achieve a smoother finish.
4

Mount the stepper

Mount the stepper motors and electronics onto the metal stand. Make sure everything is securely fastened.
10mm fluorescent blue acrylic
Fluorescent-acrylic-sheet-blue-1024x1024
10mm fluorescent blue acrylic
10mm fluorescent yellow acrylic
Fluorescent-acrylic-sheet-yellow-1024x1024
10mm fluorescent yellow acrylic
10mm fluorescent red acrylic
Fluorescent-acrylic-sheet-red-1024x1024
10mm fluorescent red acrylic

Tools

  • Waterproof sandpaper 120, 240, 400
  • Computer-controlled routing table machine (CNC Router)
  • Sawing machine
  • Stepper motors
  • Control electronics
  • Hand tools

Other requirements

  • Worm gear transmission
  • Chain transmission
Tom's Tips for Others
Ensure you first create a solid design in a technical drawing package like CorelDraw. Sawing causes irregularities, so lightly sanding with progressively finer grain sandpaper makes polishing to a shine a breeze. If you start with polish, it will shine, but you might end up with surface irregularities. Also, avoid budget acrylic if you plan to process it!

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