Radar
I had an aluminum radar custom made by a local machinist out of 2024 aluminum. This alloy can be
anodized without discoloration, but it is just as beautiful in its raw
state. The radar weighs
just under ten pounds. The Radar was manufactured using the Dave
Painter Blueprints with a few changes. The spinner posts are proudly
first season and were constructed
using CAD blueprints created by
Craig Reinbrecht. Also, the top ring on top of the radar clutch pack is
tapered for
authenticity.
Front view of the completed radar assembly. Note the twelve-inch
diameter lazy susan
underneath. This is a
twelve-inch
Lazy Susan from
Rockler
(stock number 28985, $6.29).
Micromotor with view of hollow
receptacle in spinner post.
Micromotor being slipped into the spinner post.
Micromotor inserted in the spinner post. The
micromotor has sunk down
lower than the level of spinner post to illustrate the extra space at
the
bottom of the ball for the electrical wires.
View of specially machined nut and threaded
end of the spinner posts.
To allow room for the insertion point of the spinner posts and the nut
that holds them in place, a special rib has been constructed. These
ribs
hold the entire radar together. The outer screw holds the vanes in
place.
The inner screw (quite long) holds the top radar ring in place.
View showing how the 12" diameter lazy susan
is bolted to the bottom of the radar.
Screws will go through the holes in the bottom plate of the lazy susan
to connect it to the acrylic collar.
The final results.