Problem finding "sweet spot" on Master Arm

[Sami Harjunen]

Hello,

 

Just got my first flight with my Steadicam Master, but it ended with a problem:

 

The upper weight adjustment knob seems to be stuck, cant find "sweet spot" to easily roll it to adjust weight. The lower one (closer to hip) works fine and i find "sweet spot" right away.

 

Does anyone have had this kind of problem and has a solution for it?

 

Heres a picture of it if it helps!

 

 

[Chris Callarman]

Did you try a little oil on the threads? It sounds like you already know how to find the sweet spot but here is how I do it: Load the arm, then slowly boom that arm section down while attempting to turn the knob (don't twist too hard). When you find the spot the knob should turn.

Edited May 20, 2013 by Chris Callarman

[Sami Harjunen]

Didn't try any oil, does any oil do the trick or should I get something proper? Already have tryed to find the spot, going to try with more heavier camera tomorrow if it helps.

 

-Sami

[Chris Callarman]

I think any oil you have on hand should be fine to try as long as it is not too thick, you will just need a drop or 2. As for a heavier payload, it might help to load it up enough to match what that section of the arm is curently stuck at so it is easier to boom up and down while searching for the spot. Once you put some oil on the thread, I would try to work the knob back and forth a bit while booming/searching to help draw the oil down into the female threaded piece. Maybe someone who knows something about oil can chime in as to if there is something specific that will be best at flowing into a seized threads. Perhaps something with some solvent in it like WD-40 would be better.

 

Also, you should make sure that the threaded rod is not bent at all because that will make the adjustment knob stick for sure.

[JobScholtze]

Dont let Baldwin see this, he stay's sober becose he cant open the bottles. With this solution it will getting out of control

[RonBaldwin]

Burp