Lightbridge 12 DOB - Stiff Altitude Movement

[Will964]

I own a Meade Lightbridge 12 DOB and, overall, I am very happy with the scope. However, the thing is very stiff when adjusting the altitude of the scope. I have cleaned the pads as suggested in the manual, but it makes little difference.

Does anyone have any experience in making the altitude movement smooth and less 'jerky'?

Many Thanks.

[astro_nutt]

Hi Will.
You could try cleaning the aluminium hubs with Jif then rinse off thoroughly. Finish off with a coat of car wax and buff off.
Cheers!

[Will964]

Good idea, I'll give that a try. I had considered using silicone spray, but I'm led to believe that would be unwise.

[mental4astro]

Yes, clean the aluminium bearing and wax it with a good quality car wax - cheap stuff leaves too much residue that collects muck quickly. I can't remember if the altitude pads are felt or Teflon on these scopes. If Teflon, be that on any scope, DON'T WAX THEM! The very thing that makes Teflon work as a bearing material is itself! Applying wax changes this. Only ever gently clean Teflon pads with metho or isopropyl alcohol as cleaning with these won't leave residue on the Teflon.

I try to clean all the bearing surfaces, and wax the non-Teflon parts, on my dobs at least once a year. It always amazes me the difference in the action of the scopes. A very worth while exercise on those rainy nights when we can't take out a scope but so much want to play with them. This little bit of TLC is for me the single best thing we can do for our dobs :)

[sn1987a]

Midnight hack, chapstick! :D

[Will964]

My wife wouldn't let me near the Chapstick, so I cleaned up the hubs and whacked on a bit of Meguiars car polish. It now works a treat!
Many thanks.