Screw caps for Skywatcher Saddle Dovetail

[Oddity]

Howdy!

I picked up a 2nd hand Az-eq5 and noticed there is nothing to protect the saddle screws from digging in and scratching the dovetail plate. Does anyone have a solution for this, or is this expected?

[Merlin66]

Sounds pretty standard.....

[bojan]

Yep, that's how it is..
If you want to prevent scratching, place suitable aluminium extruded flat bar (Bunnings, Aluminium Trade Centre) in the slot.
https://www.aluminiumtc.com.au/catalogue/flat-bar/

BTW, I replaced all metal screws used to hold eyepieces in place with nylon ones...

[xelasnave]

Replace the plate with a rubber one...
Alex

[Oddity]

Thanks folks, wasn't entirely sure if it was expected. I'm paranoid that I might be breaking things/doing things wrong with other components of the mount. I'll leave it be then.

[xelasnave]

I hope you did not take my comment as a snide remark:question:k...I was joking ..in fact most all the time I am joking but I do realise my sence of humour is a little strange for some:P.

You wont break anything I am pretty sure of that.

Good luck with your astro journey:thumbsup:.

alex

[jimmyh1555]

If the screws dig in to the dovetail plate, then that's great! Your scope will be gripped better. A bit of grawnching on the ends of the screws will not do them any harm:D

[raymo]

Put fibre washers under the screw heads.
raymo

[RobF]

Or you could replace the saddle with something like this.
Not cheap, but ADM is pretty good gear.

http://www.admaccessories.com/product/dual-azeq5-dual-series-saddle-fits-skywatcher-azeq5-orion-atlas-azeq-g-mounts/

[AstroApprentice]

I agree with Rob, an ADM saddle is a huge improvement to such mounts. Makes loading an OTA easier and safer as you can slide it in the groove. Plus no more mangling dovetail bars. The Vixen-only option is cheaper

[Oddity]

I did pick up on that :rofl: it was just a little late at night at the time so had little chance to respond in kind. That said it’s entertaining to think you were worried I might take the suggestion seriously :rofl:

I appreciate the levity you add to threads here :thumbsup:

[Oddity]

Thanks for suggestions all. Those ADMs do look rather nice! However given I’ve already unloaded the budget on just about everything else (especially eyepiece fever!) I might save it and deal with the “well-loved” look on the dovetail.

Cheers all, and clear skies to you