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Problem finding "sweet spot" on Master Arm


Sami Harjunen

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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!

 

 

post-13258-0-35504400-1369061850_thumb.jpg

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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 by Chris Callarman
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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.

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  • 1 month later...
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Sami probably forgot to mention that the problem was quickly solved!

Just posting this so anyone with similar problem can read this and then decide whether to try this or not.
First, read this very fast: "Anyone who tries this method should be aware that using excessive force to turn the knobs may damage those and the threads you've been trying to open. (Then you got to send it to service)."

To begin with had to see if the screw was straight and the thread okay, then visual check on the other parts to see that nothing is damaged because having a close look like that and getting a spring shot through your face is not what you want to start clean up since there's other things to do.

Everything sounding (should not sound at all) and looking alright, had to determine if the thread had traveled all the way to the end or beginning (floppy arm VS stiff bugger) OR if it had stopped anywhere between the travel. In that case just send the arm to nearby wizard.

In this case it had stuck to the end of the travel and just by grabbing a piece of flexible rubber cable and wrapping it around the knob (making a bight or a loop, not trying to strangle it like a snake would) to get good grip it was possible to turn it open.

I've used this method succesfully over the years for these kids' portions of Jägermeister.
post-10216-0-61220100-1373320536_thumb.jpg

 

Be good,
- Tuomas

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