Repairing a Crayford

[thegableguy]

Howdy all

I've got an old 8" Skywatcher reflector that just needs one of these focuser bearings in order to work again. Annoyingly, the current Skywatcher crayfords don't fit this particular tube (they now have a smaller footprint) so need to either repair this focuser or waste $150 on a whole new focuser just for this tiny little bearing.

I've posted this on the WTB section, but if anyone knows where I might source this bearing on its own that would be great too.

Cheers!

[bojan]

What are the dimensions of bearing?
I am sure RS-components, Small parts or even ebay have them.
https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/pneumatics-hydraulics-power-transmission/power-transmission-rotary-bearings/ball-bearings/?searchTerm=ball%20bearing (https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/?sra=oss&r=t&searchTerm=ball+bearing)

[Saturnine]

Could also try Bearing Services or CBC Bearings ( no affiliation ) they have comprehensive catalogues of bearings and other industrial parts. After all they supply industry.
Do you still have the shoulder screw that held the bearing and all you need are the OD. & ID. and width of the bearing and most parts suppliers would be able to help.

[spiezzy]

yep i got some a while back from RS components around $6 for 4 of them and i think they were better quality than the originals
cheers pete

[xelasnave]

Fashion one out of a piece of nylon cutting board ... could work☺
Alex

[thegableguy]

Thanks everyone - actually discovered a bearing shop about 20km from home. I'm amazed that enough people on the NSW central coast buy enough bearings to warrant a dedicated business big enough to carry the exact bearings I needed!

I gave the crud-covered mirror a much-needed very gentle wash and reassembled / collimated the old girl; she's once again a perfectly functional 8" f/5 reflector - at least as far as I can tell whilst it's bucketing down rain outside...

Thanks all for your suggestions, didn't realise they'd be so easy to source.

~C

[Saturnine]

Glad to hear that you sorted out the bearing already, that's the great thing about the forums, whatever you may need someone will know a source or how to do it when it comes to adjustments or repairs.