Question RE: Balancing a Newtonian

[Astro78]

Hi Guys,

Pretty sure we have the basic balancing down pact but......

Question: Is it best to center the dovetail plate on the mount and then slide the OTA up or down to balance, or should the OTA be centered according to the dovetail and then slide the dovetail into place for balance?

I'd imagine you imaging gurus would have the logic here :)

Clear Skies,

[Lee]

I can't see how it would matter.....
What I have done is centred the dovetail on the OTA, then moved the dovetail in the mount saddle, if it balances, great!

[Astro78]

After much fussing about tonight i've concluded there's noticeably less vibration with the OTA centered on the dovetail, the dovetail then is heaps off center and with it actually out of balance. When it's balanced it wobbles at high mag.

This can't be right, serious lacking of sleep since these skies opened up. Already starting seeing things..... :screwy: