12" Tube Rings Required

[Michael Clark]

Hi,

Can anyone recommend a supplier (prefer Australian if possible) of 12" tube rings and suitable dovetail to allow mounting of my 12" dob to my EQ6 mount. Cost indication would be appreciated if known.

Cheers
Michael

[iceman]

Hi Michael

I got the tube rings for my 12" newt from Orion Optics in the UK. At the time I investigated it, there were no local suppliers of them - the biggest the aussie suppliers had was for a 10" tube.

Some people have made their own, or had them made at a local metal fabricator etc.

Just be sure you measure the outer circumference accurately when you give the measurements.

The ones from Orion Optics weren't cheap, especially with shipping. And especially now with the low aussie dollar.

[matt]

Mike,

How much did the rings cost at the time of purchase, including shipping?

I'm toying with the idea of switching back to a newtonian (12") for my planetary imaging. Am keen to know what it's likely to cost to get the whole shebang up and running.

[iceman]

hmm I'm trying to remember, it was about 18 months ago now.
I'm pretty sure it wasn't under AU$400, including shipping.

Best to just send them an email because the prices may not be the same anymore.

[Ian Robinson]

Try the good folks at Orion Optical in the UK , they will make them to spec.

My rings cost me 110UKP about 15 months ago + shipping (mine were for a 316mm OD tube). They work at +/- 1mm for their tolerance. They are very nice , if a tad tightish , but not so much so that I can't get them on or rotate the tube with the bolt (?) thingy loosened a few turns. The self adhesive cloth stuff makes them tight I think.

I added spacers and a dovetail bar and a 10" mirror cell to my order all in one hit.

[matt]

Yep. Will do. Just keen to get an idea of a ballpark figure.

Many thanks.

[Ian Robinson]

sales@orionoptics.co.uk will get the man.

[matt]

Thanks, Ian:)

[Michael Clark]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the replies. Will check it all out.

Cheers
Michael

[erick]

Anyone asked the guy at Starstuff?

http://www.starstuff.com.au/index.html

[Michael Clark]

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm yum,

thanks Eric, will check them out.

cheers
Michael

[Omaroo]

They're about US$200 at OPT Corp in the USA too Michael.

http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=439-735-216-218-3872