Problem with clamp to regulate the focus tension
- ivangallego24
- Posts: 54
- Joined: Thu Nov 15, 2018 11:20 am
- Location: España
Problem with clamp to regulate the focus tension
My problem is that piece that came with the microscope to tighten or loosen the tension of the macro focus broke, and I would like to know how I can create another similar one that will serve me equally
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- Posts: 6325
- Joined: Fri May 15, 2015 12:15 am
Re: Problem with clamp to regulate the focus tension
A picture would help. I can't recall the type of microscope you have.
- ivangallego24
- Posts: 54
- Joined: Thu Nov 15, 2018 11:20 am
- Location: España
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- Posts: 6325
- Joined: Fri May 15, 2015 12:15 am
Re: Problem with clamp to regulate the focus tension
This appears to be a lever that controls a clutching mechanism, correct?
- ivangallego24
- Posts: 54
- Joined: Thu Nov 15, 2018 11:20 am
- Location: España
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- Posts: 6325
- Joined: Fri May 15, 2015 12:15 am
Re: Problem with clamp to regulate the focus tension
It has come off of the small shaft on which it rotates or the shaft has broken. Which is it?
Re: Problem with clamp to regulate the focus tension
Hi Ivan,
to me this looks like a hook wrench: https://www.google.com/search?q=hook+wrench
Am I right and the little hook broke of?
In this case I would take a piece of aluminium sheet metal, put the old key on top, trace the contour with a felt pen, add the hook and saw and file it out. 1,5mm or 2mm would probably be sufficient, the maximum would depend on the space you have.
Bob
to me this looks like a hook wrench: https://www.google.com/search?q=hook+wrench
Am I right and the little hook broke of?
In this case I would take a piece of aluminium sheet metal, put the old key on top, trace the contour with a felt pen, add the hook and saw and file it out. 1,5mm or 2mm would probably be sufficient, the maximum would depend on the space you have.
Bob
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- Posts: 6325
- Joined: Fri May 15, 2015 12:15 am
Re: Problem with clamp to regulate the focus tension
In the last picture the end can be seen protruding just past the left hand knob, still sitting in the chuck nut.
Re: Problem with clamp to regulate the focus tension
Yes commonly called a 'C' spanner. Doesn't need to be left on the nut after it is adjusted for tension, as it only gets in the way. Bicycles use a similar spanner for the pedal crank nut, but you wouldn't leave them on when you ride it.
Re: Problem with clamp to regulate the focus tension
https://micro-science.co.uk/iscope-instruction-manual/
... From which I have borrowed this image:
Probably the first plastic c-spanner I've ever seen.
MichaelG.
... From which I have borrowed this image:
Probably the first plastic c-spanner I've ever seen.
MichaelG.
Too many 'projects'
Re: Problem with clamp to regulate the focus tension
If you have a friend with a shop, it shouldn't be hard to reproduce the spanner. The pin could be either a roll pin or a dowel pin in a press fit hole. The body cut be band sawn out of flat stock (say, aluminum) and sanded a bit to remove sharp edges. One could likely also cut and file the pin feature.
It could also be cut off from an appropriate large ID tube like a thin slice of bread. Drill a hole for the pin and split the ring. Just leaving the pin extending out the other side should give enough grip for adjustment - likely no need to weld or braze on a handle.
Commercial ones can also be bought, but would likely have to be ground down a bit thinner.
Given how flimsy this looks - perhaps intended to avoid over-tightening (or more likely reduce costs) -- the manufacturer likely sells spares?
You might also try finding a close-fitting rod or pin punch. If the hole is deep enough and the clutch disk easily moved, you might get a satisfactory adjustment that way and then leave it alone?
Might also be a pair of jar-opening pliers you could sand/grind/file thin enough and modify (either by adding a pin or adding rubber to avoid marring the adjustment ring).
It could also be cut off from an appropriate large ID tube like a thin slice of bread. Drill a hole for the pin and split the ring. Just leaving the pin extending out the other side should give enough grip for adjustment - likely no need to weld or braze on a handle.
Commercial ones can also be bought, but would likely have to be ground down a bit thinner.
Given how flimsy this looks - perhaps intended to avoid over-tightening (or more likely reduce costs) -- the manufacturer likely sells spares?
You might also try finding a close-fitting rod or pin punch. If the hole is deep enough and the clutch disk easily moved, you might get a satisfactory adjustment that way and then leave it alone?
Might also be a pair of jar-opening pliers you could sand/grind/file thin enough and modify (either by adding a pin or adding rubber to avoid marring the adjustment ring).
Re: Problem with clamp to regulate the focus tension
A perhaps simple DIY tool: find a long thin metal rod of the same diameter as the C spanner (roughly). With two pairs of pliers, bend the rod until it reaches the form of a C spanner, including the handle. Think of some of the cheapest hacksaws - the small ones, that take blades of 15-20cm, the frame has been formed by bending a wire.