I'm trying to make up an alternative "stand" for a USB microscope. The
existing stand provides some adjustability via one of those "clamps"
consisting of two metal plates and a connecting screw, which grips two
metal balls on stalks.

What I'd really like to find is another similar sized ball, tapped,
which I can fit to the new stand but use the existing adjuster.

Ball diameter is 10.5 mm. I know I can soften "ball bearing" balls and
then drill and tap them, but ideally I'm looking for an easier solution.
I can get tapped 3/8 inch brass balls (9.5 mm) on eBay for about a pound
each, but can anyone suggest a source closer to 10.5 mm?

TIA

Newshound wrote:
I'm trying to make up an alternative "stand" for a USB microscope. The
existing stand provides some adjustability via one of those "clamps"
consisting of two metal plates and a connecting screw, which grips two
metal balls on stalks.

What I'd really like to find is another similar sized ball, tapped,
which I can fit to the new stand but use the existing adjuster.

Ball diameter is 10.5 mm. I know I can soften "ball bearing" balls and
then drill and tap them, but ideally I'm looking for an easier solution.
I can get tapped 3/8 inch brass balls (9.5 mm) on eBay for about a pound
each, but can anyone suggest a source closer to 10.5 mm?

TIA
Simple job for a local model engineer maybe?
Got a ME club near you?
I assume you don't have a lathe as you would be D-I-Y ing it yourself.

Bob

On 20/11/2011 11:11, Bob Minchin wrote:
Newshound wrote:
I'm trying to make up an alternative "stand" for a USB microscope. The
existing stand provides some adjustability via one of those "clamps"
consisting of two metal plates and a connecting screw, which grips two
metal balls on stalks.

What I'd really like to find is another similar sized ball, tapped,
which I can fit to the new stand but use the existing adjuster.

Ball diameter is 10.5 mm. I know I can soften "ball bearing" balls and
then drill and tap them, but ideally I'm looking for an easier solution.
I can get tapped 3/8 inch brass balls (9.5 mm) on eBay for about a pound
each, but can anyone suggest a source closer to 10.5 mm?

TIA
Simple job for a local model engineer maybe?
Got a ME club near you?
I assume you don't have a lathe as you would be D-I-Y ing it yourself.

Bob

Well I have, but the speed controller needs replacing. Also, DIY is
going to take an hour or more, I'd insist on making a donation so it's
not cost effective compared to the 9.5 balls on ebay. Not as if I really
need machine tool accuracy. But thanks for the thought.