On Sun, 16 Oct 2011 12:35:31 -0500, Karl Townsend
wrote:

On Sun, 16 Oct 2011 08:48:45 -0700, Larry Jaques
wrote:

On Sun, 16 Oct 2011 09:26:21 -0500, Karl Townsend
wrote:

I'm helping "the kid" with a new venture. He's making about 50 M2
tripods. http://tinyurl.com/3d4gmef

I get to CNC machine a few (well several) parts and will keep five
tripods out of the deal. I just made the first prototype run
yesterday. I'll set up the CNC lathe for production over the next
couple days. Same thing with the CNC mill.

Cool. Are you doing the brass swivel bushing and the T&E mechanisms?

Anyway, this unit needs half a dozen odd ball springs. Is there a
better source than McMaster Carr out there?

Have you tried any of the larger spring makers, like
http://www.leespring.com/ or http://www.centuryspring.com/ ?


First, a typo, we're making an M3 tripod. At least the first few are
using a steel bushing. The idea is to keep price low.

A search for "M3 tripod" brings a $1200 item.
http://www.keepshooting.com/m3-tripo...-complete.html

The original "m2 tripod" search gave me a sub-$300 item.
http://www.keepshooting.com/m2-tripod-for-1919a4.html

I think you can beat the M3 price pretty easily.


I bought a T & E. It wouldn't be hard to make, maybe make a bunch later.

Offer 'em up front for an extra fee, as KeepShooting does?


Our next project will be an MK93 shock mount
http://usmilitary.about.com/library/...cts/blmk93.htm

Where'd they come up with -that- price, anyway?

Got ammo? vbg

--
....in order that a man may be happy, it is
necessary that he should not only be capable
of his work, but a good judge of his work.
-- John Ruskin