Celestron Classic 8 - technical info required.

[snowyskiesau]

I've browsed around a bit but can't seem to find much info about the Celestron Classic 8 (Pic 2).
I'm trying to find out the thread on the screw that holds the base together (centre of Pic 1). I don't have the original screw as there is usually an adaptor for a Sky Vector II. I've lost the adaptor and need to make a new one but need to know the thread. I could just tap it out but would prefer to keep it original with a view to selling it.

[Craig.a.c]

Have you looked on the celestron website?
http://www.celestron.com/c3/home.php

[snowyskiesau]

I have indeed. There's not much there about 30 year old telescopes :)

[gbeal]

Then take the thing (forks anyway) to a local machine supply shop and get the guy behind the counter to give you a series of UNF or UNC style bolts. I am all but certain it will be something like that, being American.
Gary

[Gerald Sargent]

It has got to be an American thread, so ask some machinist to loan you a few taps
that look about that diameter and use them to ascertain the thread. Can only be
one of about 3 -5 at the most. Gerald.

[gary]

Know all about these.

See our web site here for details -
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au/info_needed_c8.html

Best regards

Gary

[snowyskiesau]

Thanks Gary,
That narrows it down to either an 8-32 or a 10-32.

Now all I need to do is to work out how to make my metric lathe cut ANSIASME threads.

[gary]

Hi Geoff,

If you can't find an appropriate change gear combination, I would suggest
you consider fabricating the piece using brass rod and machining a bevel
on the end. Then just use the appropriate button die straight without doing
the thread cutting on the lathe. The major diameter is sufficiently small that
it will be easy to do by hand with the button die.

Best regards

Gary