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How to Make a Slow Motion Azimuth Telescope Control

A telescope mounting normally includes controls for making fine adjustments to the angle of the scope. There are generally two controls: one for altering the vertical angle and one for controlling the rotation of the scope on the tripod, the latter known as the azimuth. If your tripod doesn't have a fine-control dial for adjusting the azimuth, you can add a worm gear from a musical instrument machine head to actuate a standard swivel bracket.

Things You'll Need

Standard tripod
Set of crescent wrenches
Bench vise
Drill with 3/8-inch and 3/16-inch bits
Bass tuning machine head with mounting screws
Phillips screwdriver
Swivel bracket with 1/4-inch axle
3/16-inch steel rod
Hacksaw
Set of files

Instructions

- 1
  Unscrew the upper portion of the tripod from the base. Use the crescent wrench to remove the locking nut at the base of the axle. Lift the axle out of the tripod, and clamp it into the vise.
- 2
  Fit the 3/8-inch bit to the drill, and drill up into the base of the axle about 1 inch deep. Switch to the 3/16-inch bit, and drill across the axle, bisecting the hole you drilled into the base.
- 3
  Remove the grub screw holding the worm gear to the machine head. This will allow you to remove the rotating post. Slide the post into the hole in the base of the axle, and line up the lateral hole with the one you drilled across the axle.
- 4
  Slide the steel rod through the lateral hole, locking the post in position. Cut off the excess, and file it down smooth using the files. Reassemble the tripod around the axle, with the machine head protruding from the base. Screw the worm gear back onto the base of the post, and secure the machine-head body to the base of the tripod. Turning the key will now rotate the azimuth of the scope.

Astronomy