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AZ8 thrust bearing sizes... Repurpose as Equatorial for imaging?

 
Edited

Hi all, from the imperially challenged other side of the world (South Africa).
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I have an AZ8 acquired from local astronomer enthusiast Douglas Bullis with a beloved Intes Wirth (APM Markus Ludes) MN86 purchase.?
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I am missing the RA clutch needle thrust bearing, which I assume is the same as the GM8 and trying to source one locally before importing it from the USA. Can anyone suggest proper sizing on this bearing? Presumably, thickness will not be a concern. The Losmandy website states one 2.100" diameter needle thrust bearing, one 2.000" diameter needle thrust bearing.
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I am hoping to convert the AZ8 to equatorial by making a wedge where the bottom flange can bolt onto. This seems like a simple, non-destructive modification unless I'm missing something. Will also need to fashion some kind of counterweight system... Unless someone would like to trade for something equatorial with 30lb payload capacity?
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I do not see a serial number. I have the flat machined section for encoders and a polarscope hole with brass gears and worms.

Any advice here would be greatly appreciated. I tried to join the Losmandy hackers group, but it seems they are not taking any more members.
 

Found some helpful information on the clutch thrust bearing here by John Kmetz. /g/Losmandy_users/message/83601
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Seems the AZ8, GM8, G9 and G11 all use the same bearings.
"Then there are the lower thrust bearings and washers as well (1.25” ID).
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https://store-losmandy-com.3dcartstores.com/cktb
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or these alternates:
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https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/129/1398/5909K38
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https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/129/1398/5909K52
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with upper and lower washers both 1/32”, you need two."
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Looking at the AZ8, I think a wedge would have to attach to the top of the AZ (now RA) mounting flange to bring the center of gravity forward
But it seems doable. The bottom of the ALT (now DEC) shaft appears to be threaded. There is a reducer to the smaller threaded counterweight shaft used for single payload configuration, which I could try to untread. This makes it easy to attach a thicker shaft.
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Will possibly also need to modify the worm gear to a floating design. It should not be too challenging using one of the backlash adjustment screws. I found information in the files section that this has been done before... And then Onstep.
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3110-01-658-9809, 5909K32, MIT842-349521-10)?

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