Today was a much shorter day in part because I’d lost track of time causing a late start and in part because we’re running low on things to do on pieces that don’t currently have paint drying on them.
In particular, getting the scale transferred was one of the larger things remaining. So we started the night by masking off the scale:
That was then painted with a flat white spray paint:
Unfortunately, some light mist got around the masking so the arm will need a bit of touch up, it turned out nicely and it came home with me so that I can transfer the scale.
In the meantime, we previously drilled a hole through the pipe cap and pipe that keep the quadrant in place in order to hang the plumb bob, but didn’t really fashion a way to quickly and easily remove it. As it stood, a knot would have to be tied in the plumb cord each time and then untied to remove the cap and arm for transport. So we found a piece that we could screw through the hole and top with a nut.
Now, the plumb line can be tied through the hole and, when it’s time to remove, the nut taken off and the piece slipped out.
Next, we did a bit more work on the clips that will constrain the quadrant, to prevent it from tilting back towards the post (or away from it).
Although I didn’t take pictures, these were painted the same red as the quadrant and screwed down with brass screws. In addition, the hardware for the axle was painted an antique bronze color.
So at this point, the only thing left to do is transfer the scale and add the sights. I’ll be taking care of the scale over the next day or so and we’ll be adding sights this weekend so we should certainly make it in time for the July 27 opposition of Mars!