I agree

 

I'm still waiting for pricing on the sand casting. I hope this works out. This company is only several miles from me.

 

I heard from the foundry and the costs are almost twice what they originally approximated for me. Cost for the wood mold is over $2000 and each part cast would be $350. Adding to that the additional cleaning up and machining, and the cost would end up at about $500 a piece. I knew this project would be expensive, but that cost is just too high. I believe the low run (10) is causing the problem. The foundry doesn't look at this as much of a money maker, so they raised the price.

I attended the Antique Telescope convention this past week or so and brought one of my models to show the members. I believe there is some interest by several of the members there for the tripods. Most members received the project very well. Funny, a member brought the exact tripod I'm trying to replicate and it was on display the first night.

I did find a lead for a man in Washington state who has been making wood molds for 35 years. I will be contacting him to see what costs he can come up with. I assume he is connected with a foundry he uses for his parts.

 

I will still be pursuing this. I think it is a worthwhile project. Also, yes there is interest in the final tripod. Unfortunately, ponying the money up front to help subsidize the project is not going to happen without a prototype to show. I will be making the prototype with the aluminum parts I have, so that is not a problem.

Hey! Maybe a kickstart!