Telescope servicing in Brisbane?

[batema]

Does any one know where you can take your scope (refractor) to get the objective lens cleaned. I have had my W/O 3 elements Air-spaced Flt for nearly three yrs and the lens has stuff on it from build up over this time. I see scopes for sale that have crystal clear optics and I don't know how this occurs without cleaning. I am too scared to touch it myself. I know people say it shouldn't really matter but i think it is about time.

mark

[jjjnettie]

don't be scared Mark.
I'll bring my cleaning kit with me next time we all get together.
So long as the muck is only on the front lens, it'll all be good.

....note to self, add extra tough scourer to cleaning kit.

[renormalised]

Steel wool should do it just nicely:):P

If not, a little Dremel with a sandstone abrasive pad will do the trick:):P

[jjjnettie]

:D I have my dreml kit out today working on my gourds.
Lets see....I think the little wire brush attachment would get into those corners no trouble.

[batema]

I'll bring the clamping vice and file. I'm full of confidence now.

[FlashDrive]

A mate of mine uses 100 Grit Sandpaper ... :rofl: :thumbsup:

[CometGuy]

Hi Mark,

The coatings will be quite hard on the lens, and will resist scratching well. It is not too hard to do yourself. Try the following:

1. Use a blower/blower brush to remove any loose particles on the glass surface.

2. Wet some tissues with isopropyl Alcohol (Painting section in Bunnings stocks it under the Diggers Brand). Dab the tissues on the lens, but make sure the tissues aren't totally saturated otherwise fluid may seep into the edges of the lens elements. Use a dry tissue to soak up the alcohol, but avoid a lot of rubbing. You just want to get the bulk of the dirt off by soaking it up.

3. Once the lens is mostly clean you can continue using tissues damped with alcohol, then immediately follow with a wipe with a dry tissue to remove the wet alcohol. At this stage I use "Dr Clays" cleaning fluid which is a mixture of Windex/Isopropyl Alcohol Distilled water/Photoflo. The Photoflo can be obtained from Photocontinental. This liquid is less likely to leave streaking on the glass, but I have also used Iso Propropyl alchohol successfully.

If you are nervous about try practicing on an old set of binoculars or photograhic filter.

Anyway good luck...

[jjjnettie]

After blowing off the dust, I use single use, optical tissues, moistened with a drop or two of isopropyl. Then finish off with a quick polish with an old old lint free tshirt so there's no streaks.
Any hard to shift bits, I find a couple of gentle taps with the hammer and chisel does the job nicely.