Eyepiece Case

[inertia8]

Hi All,

I've had a look through the search history in various threads about pelican cases and the bunnings/masters copies.

I'm considering storing the eyepieces upright in a case of decent quality and stumbled across the BOB cases from Caseline.com.au, has anyone any experience with these, they all seem to come from the same factory as the kincrome and tekraft, albeit different colours and possibly different foam densities?

Would it be appropriate to store the eyepieces in their boltcases (big holes in foam to accommodate) or directly into foam in the case, smaller holes in base and larger to accomodate each ep body?

I was considering putting colimation tools in there too but will likely use a smaller separate case for this.

Thanks

[astro_nutt]

I upgraded my EP case with a Craftright cantilever multi-compartment tool/hobby box. The bottom section is lined with foam and holds my 2" EPs, collimation tools, barlows, filters and a few of the larger 1 1/4" EPs. The top sections holds all the smaller EPs, small tools and spare parts, batteries, and cleaning equipment. Around $40 from Bunnings.
Cheers!

[inertia8]

Thanks astro_nutt, I did have a look at a variety of toolbox options when I was in Masters the other day but none took my fancy.

The hard cases appeal to me as I've been a little clumsy in the past and one saved my RC aircraft controller from any mishap :), that was kincrome 43cm job.

http://www.caseline.com.au/bob-cases/

4835 or perhaps 5129 (thoughts on wheeled case? I'd be more likely wanting to carry my EP's rather than have them bump along behind me.)

[Kunama]

I use the Kinchrome ones and the red ones from Gasweld.
They're on special every once in a while

[inertia8]

Thanks Matt.

I was looking to do something similar, one thing about the kincrome cases is the latches can be quite stiff, not something to worry about with r/c aircraft flying on a sunny day, however on a cold night...

I noted the masters cases and these BOB cases both have latches which have any easy open spring mechanism and will try one of them.

As for bolt cases, I think I'll leave them in the cupboard, probably more suited to use with a camera bag with compartments.. Would just add to the fumbling in the night.

[jeelan]

hey mate

i've been using Toolpro cases from Supa Cheat auto - they seem to be a bit cheaper than the Bunnings ones. All seem to originate from the same source as mouldings/shape seems identical.

I've got a couple of the larger Toolpro ones.

foam quality is pretty average though - doesnt compare to a Pelican case I've also got but you get what you pay for ultimately.

cheers
Jeelan

[dreamstation]

I recently purchased a Pelican 1600 case and it has been excellent. Rock solid construction and the foam is of a higher quality than the foam in my brother's Kincrome case. Pelican cases may seem expensive compared to the cheaper alternatives but when you consider how many thousands of dollars of gear that they house, it's actually quite cheap.

We don't skimp when buying eyepieces and telescopes so why do that on the case that will be protecting said gear.

[brian nordstrom]

:thumbsup: Very nice and well done .

Brian.

[inertia8]

If I had a small refractor or was travelling and relying on others to be handling my cases then yes I'd spring for a pelican. I feel that this will only need to take the occassional tumble and I am fairly certain that these so called knock offs would be up to the job.

I'll take a look at the BOB cases in person and make my mind up then

[75BC]

I recently bought a Craftright case from Bunnings.

http://www.bunnings.com.au/craftright-465-x-360-x-175mm-safe-case_p5810252

Looks the same as the Toolpro case Jeelan has got. I think they are great. It would take some serious misadventure to damage anything in one of these. :thumbsup:

[Nikolas]

I second or third the toolpro case as well

[JD]

I don't know if this applies to telescopes/eyepieces but plastic cases with foam liners can be a breeding ground for fungus. They make good cases and protect from most things but as one who has experienced this with other optical equipment - i.e.; photographic - I suggest packing these things with silica gel packs. My job involves working with expensive optical equipment and all of my gear cases and bags have silica gel in them. If it gets a toe hold, a fungus will eat through the coatings on your expensive glass before you even know it.