127mm f/9.4 OTA Construction - Focuser (reducing the flange's diameter)

 

material being removed from the outside surface of the flange with a sanding disk... (Click for enlarged view)

 

Above is a photo of the jig showing the grounding process at work reducing the diameter of the 2.7" inch focuser's flange housing so it can fit the inside diameter of the main tube. Several even and steady rotations of the flange had to be made in order to remove enough aluminum from its diameter before it could fit the main tube's interior snugly. I wore heavy duty work gloves, goggles, and a breathing mask while performing this operation.

NOTE !!! Please wear protective gear when performing this task! Hand and facial protective gear is a must !!!