Swing arm to mount plotter on?

I used to have a swing out rm from West Marine many years ago. They ship to the UK. The arm was well made and affordable. I just tried searching the West Marine web site but now see only RAM Mount arms. You could try searching a little more. Alternatively, go for RAM Mount. I love their stuff. Yes, the coating eroded also from one of my metal mounts but these days most parts are also available in a non-rusting composite material. Check West Marine prices. Do you have a friend in the USA who could receive the goods and bring them to next time they head to the UK?
 
parsifal said:
Looks ideal but are you sure it's aluminium? The product description reads "This TV bracket is constructed from reinforced heavy gauge steel "
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Hmm, thats odd - mine was definitely not ferrous - gave it the magnet test. I'll see if I can find the exact model I had.
 
parsifal said:
Looks ideal but are you sure it's aluminium? The product description reads "This TV bracket is constructed from reinforced heavy gauge steel "
Click to expand...

fredrussell said:
Hmm, thats odd - mine was definitely not ferrous - gave it the magnet test. I'll see if I can find the exact model I had.
Click to expand...

Mine was definitely ally. Perhaps just the TV bracket is steel.
Incidentally, how do you reinforce "heavy gauge steel"? Sounds like ad-speak for a bit of bending.

Edit: if you follow Gin's link, there's a further clue:
Material:
Powder Coated Marine Grade Aluminium
It was this powder coating that fell off on mine.

I suspect the words "bracket is constructed from reinforced heavy gauge steel" mean that the bracket is steel, as TV brackets commonly are.
 
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Not too bothered whether I pay £20 or £140 as long as the product is right for the job. I read the RAM mounts are marine grade aluminium but no mention of the swivels ot nuts, bolts & screws. I have emailed RAM to ask if all parts are non ferrous and await their reply. Mike
 
mike1956 said:
Not too bothered whether I pay £20 or £140 as long as the product is right for the job. I read the RAM mounts are marine grade aluminium but no mention of the swivels ot nuts, bolts & screws. I have emailed RAM to ask if all parts are non ferrous and await their reply. Mike
Click to expand...

There aren't actually many fasteners. If I remember correctly (it's about 12 years ago), the ones fixing the contraption to the bulkhead, or wherever, and the ones fixing the instrument to the carrier are provided by the buyer. So toffee or titanium, as you prefer.

The ball joints are locked by a clamping screw. Can't remember if that's brass or stainless. But I do remember that the palm wheel that operates it can become detached from the bolt. The grub screws visible in the photo are, I think, stainless.

For the price (in the UK, at least), I'd rate it as not terribly well designed or made. You'd certainly expect better with ball-jointed camera tripod mounts at similar prices.

I've no idea if it really is "marine-grade aluminium", which is a fairly loose appellation, anyway.
 
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