Head Rest Mod for AmScope Stand

[jlutz]

I have an articulating scope stand from AmScope (SKU: APC-84) and wanted to add a headrest. I couldn’t find any that were a direct fit, but I found one from microscope.com (SKU: OMHR-99) that was workable. I think it’s a bit pricey for the quality, but it does look serviceable and I couldn’t find much in the way of options.

The issue is that the mounting bracket is too wide. A complaint I also saw for the original rest is that it doesn’t stay put, which this mod should fix. The one I received attaches to the base in slightly different manner from the one in the photo. On mine, the upper part of the assembly is attached with three small screws and is easily removed. I fabbed a quick bracket to hold it in place.

A quick parts list is below. This is just things I had on hand, but gives you an idea:

1” x 1/8” mild steel bar, x2 pieces cut to 2.5”
Carriage Bolt, 1/4” x 3” x2
Washer, x2
Lock Washer x2
Wing Nut, x2

It’s just a matter of drilling two outside holes for the carriage bolts in the lower bracket, allowing space for the arm between, which on mine measured 1.32” wise. I allowed a little extra space since used a bit of leather as a pad between the arm and the clamp. For the upper clamp, you also need to add the 3 holes for mounting the upper assembly. 1/8” holes worked well. I left the screw heads proud rather than recessing them. With the leather underneath, it didn’t seem to be an issue.

That’s all there is to it. It’s probably not complex enough to warrant a tutorial, but I thought it might save someone some time and contemplation.