Tools & Techniques

Tools
Generally only basic tools are required, the higher the quality the better, these include:

• Small screwdriver set of flat and crosspoint, up to about 3mm
• Jewellers screwdriver set
• needlenose pliers
• tweezers: flat, pointer, plastic
• adjustable lens spanner
• Compression spanners

Materials
• Glues: superglue, epoxy, impact, timebond
• Oils: watch, clock
• Grease: Silicone with Teflon (synthetic)
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Leatherette and real leather
• Enamel paint




















 PictureLens spanner
Lens spanner

Adjustable, used to remove most fixing rings. Using this means it is less likely that the tool will slip and mark or damage any of the lens elements. Having said that, I do have problems if the elements are deep within the tube.
PictureWera Screwdrivers
Screwdriver set

This set is made by Wera, a very high quality, and unfortunately expensive set. Again, the advantage is that they are less likely to wear and slip.

PictureMicrometer
Micrometer

Used to measure thread widths and pitch, etc. also for measuring shim thicknesses should you need to make more.
PictureShutter speed rig
Shutter speed rig

Formed from a laser pointer, a simple phototransistor as a detector, coupled to a picoscope USB oscilloscope, The scope measures the duration of the beam while the shutter is open. I will post more details later as an example