Peter,
One easy approach that comes to mind: Make an aluminum adapter plate that mounts between the Velmex Unistage’s slider and the tube clamps/ring mounts. The adapter plate could be approximately the same length and width as the slider, and be cut from 1/2” diameter or similar aluminum stock. Plan to affix this plate to the slider by drilling four untapped holes, counterbored for 10-32 screws, arranged over the existing threaded holes in the slider. But before attaching this plate to the slider, add some more holes for attaching the ring mounts.
If using Thorlabs’ SM3TC (3-inch) or SM2TC (2-inch) tube clamps, which come with counterbored mounting holes sized for 8-32 or M4x0.7 cap screws, drill and tap additional holes of this size in the adapter plate. Then place the screws downward through the holes in the tube clamp and thread them into the adapter plate. Then screw the adapter plate to the Velmex slider.
If using Edmund Optics T-Mount ring mounts (stock number 52-304 imperial or 63-978 metric), which come with either a ¼-20 or M6 tapped hole, drill the appropriate counterbored holes from the underside of the adapter plate. Then thread the screws from underneath, up into the ring mounts.
I’ve found that it’s a good idea, when making adapter plates such as these, to make the unthreaded holes and counterbores slightly oversized or elongated to permit axial alignment. And when calculating the size of the counterbores, include not only room for the head of the screw, but also for a lock washer.
Sorry if this was a complicated description of a simple item. My fabricator, Don Wilson, would likely sketch this out in less time than it takes to read what I just wrote.
The adapter would be somewhat similar to the
adapter labeled "L" here--except made from flat aluminum stock, rather than right angle stock.
Cheers,
--Chris
