| Webster Telescopes Forum http://webstertelescopes.com/forum/ | |
| Attach FRP to Aluminum Alt Bearings http://webstertelescopes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=591 |
Page 1 of 1 |
| Author: | Buber [ Thu Mar 31, 2011 4:22 am ] |
| Post subject: | Attach FRP to Aluminum Alt Bearings |
A while ago I bought a pair of 23" Alt bearings from Webster's and the FRP covering for it for my 14.5" project. Now I finally got to the phase where I actually need to attach the FRP stripes to the bearings. The question is how do I do that? Glue? Or maybe countersunk screws? And while we are at it, at the same occasion Eric was kind enough to sell me some of that the Roadex rocker box covering. And now I have the same question - what's the preferred method of adhering it? Do I need to treat the wood somehow to seal it from moisture before I cover it with Roadex? Thanks in advance! |
|
| Author: | jimwebster [ Fri Apr 01, 2011 6:10 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Attach FRP to Aluminum Alt Bearings |
The FRP is attached by a product called "Contact Cement". Contact Cement is going to seem strange to you if you have never used it: 1. Work outdoors with lots of ventilation. If you have to work indoors, turn off the pilot light so the fumes do not ignite. 2. Stir the CC well. Really work to bring the solids up from the bottom. 3. Coat both surfaces to be glued evenly and let them dry about 15 minutes. When you can touch the glue and it is no longer tacky, it is dry. 4. Starting in the center, press the FRP down on to the bearing. The cement "grabs" instantly so you only get one chance to get it straight and right. 5. Using a piloted router bit, trim off the excess FRP. Don't use Contact Cement over 1 year old, or if it ever became frozen. If you totally screw up and it glues down crooked, just cover the FRP with an old towel and heat it up with a household iron. Peel it apart and go back to step 3. Never use epoxy or any other glue because one day the FRP will wear out and will have to be replaced. Getting out an iron is a lot easier than chiseling, believe me. The Roadex is also glued down with Contact Cement. Use a "J" roller to really press down hard on it. No need to treat the wood, the cement will stick just fine. |
|
| Author: | Buber [ Sat Apr 02, 2011 5:40 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Attach FRP to Aluminum Alt Bearings |
Thank you Jim for the detailed answer! Regarding the wood treatment under the Roadex covering - I was wondering more about protecting the wood from moisture, this Roadex stuff doesn't look impermeable... |
|
| Author: | Eric [ Sat Apr 02, 2011 6:01 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Attach FRP to Aluminum Alt Bearings |
The Contact Cement is like liquid rubber and will seal the wood pretty well. If you think your scope will get an outright soaking, you can seal all the wood with exterior paint or deck sealer. |
|
| Page 1 of 1 | All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ] |
| Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group http://www.phpbb.com/ | |