Side by side plate

[mickw]

Where's the best place to pick up some ally plate for side by side mount ?  I know it's been mentioned but can't find the post 
What sort of dimensions ?
After 3 hours trying to beat my ETX into submission and point in the right direction for more than 5 seconds, it's time for an upgrade 
Thanks
Mick

[Ian]

TonyG had some. I've got some spare ally too. Will need some metalwork, but nothing too hard...

[Rocket Pooch]

aluminium droitwich e-bay

[Tony G]

Mick,
I have a few of these brackets that can be worked on if you want, they are going free so just give us a PM if you require any.
That also goes for anyone else.

http://forum.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/index.php?topic=2355.0

Tony G

[mickw]

Thanks Ian, Chris and Tony - your pictures have disappeared from Flikr.
Being a lazy bugger, I think I'll take advantage of Ian's offer.
Ian, I'll PM you later, there's no rush, I have quite a few decisions to make yet.
Cheers,
Mick

[Rocket Pooch]

My pictures are still on flickr ?  Actually if you have a look at the observatory photo's you can see the heath robinson dual scope dovetail plate which cost me less than £30.

Chris

[mickw]

Sorry Chris, I meant the pics on Tony's link.
The plate you put together looks a hell of a lot more rigid that the £115 job Ian King is selling.
Thanks,
Mick

[Tony G]

Mick,

I didn't realise that when you took an image off flickr it removed it from here, what I'll do is put a few in the back of the car, and you can have a look next time I see you.

Tony G

[mickw]

Thanks for that Tony, no rush.

[Daniel]

I've just bought one of these M3 plates http://www.astrodevelopments.co.uk/

Im looking to get a guidescope, but thought I might aswell go for a decent scope i might be able to use for imaging too, so Im looking at putting a Skywatcher ED80 on there, my only worry is if this will be too heavy for my CG5 mount!

Also, does anyone know where I can buy counterweights? (preferably not crazy prices, i'm only just coming to terms with paying £100 for a drilled piece of metal)

Daniel
:O)

[mickw]

Tony, Ian  Just picked one up at Astrofest.
15 1/4"x3 3/4"x1/2"  £35
Thanks anyway

[Ian]

who from? that's a good price for astro kit...

[mickw]

Astro Parts on the House of Optics stand top floor, also does dovetails, rings etc. etc.  His website doesn't really show many of his products, but the bloke (Brian Brooks) says he will make anything - and he's cheap 
Other bargain was an HEQ5 Pro Skyscan £629 from Optical Vision also top floor.

[Tony G]

Hi Mick,

The plates I got are spare anyway and you may be able to use them for something, so hopefully I'll be at Mikes tonight and can have them if you want.

Tony G