RapidDirect CNC Machined Custom Precision Mount for the M-73 Prismatic Compass

This project was led by Lin, a personal educational initiative aimed at lifelong learning on a limited budget, with the goal of sharing the findings publicly.

Lin conducted a detailed study of the M-73 prismatic compass, a military-grade magnetic instrument used worldwide. His work documented the compass’s history, operation, maintenance, and repair—information not readily available elsewhere. As part of the project, he designed a custom precision mount to keep the compass stable for testing, alignment, and surveying.

Finding the right manufacturing partner was critical. Lin required a supplier capable of producing the mount from non-magnetic materials, with precise tolerances and the necessary surface finishes. After reviewing multiple options, he chose RapidDirect, the only supplier able to meet all specifications while keeping the project on budget and schedule.