I'd decided that the thing to do was to tap the rail for a pair
of 6-32 machine screws. Bad move, Jerry! The Aluminum didn't take well
to such a fine thread. In fact, there appeared a pair of nice shiny smooth
holes. What to do?
As a side note, my mechanical engineer buddy thinks 6-32's should be
banned. He thinks they are the weakest screw for their size, because
the threads are relatively large for the screw diameter.
I decided to glue the screws in. Cleaned the holes with lacquer thinner.
Washed the screws themselves in lacquer thinner. Made up a batch of PC-7
epoxy. This is the strong stuff. Compared to this stuff, Bondo is soft
as a pillow. Stuffed the PC-7 into the holes. Set the turnbutton on
the rail, pushed the screws into the PC-7-filled holes. Clamped it all
together with a couple of tie wraps.
So folks, what do you think? Will the bodge work?
Depends on if you have them there for show or if you intend to use
them. I don't trust glue, but if they are not subject to a lot of
strain, you should be okay.
James
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