draw tube

[I.C.D]

G"Day All,
I have been noticing over the last few month that the focuser was getting hard to move in and out ,I have put grease on rake and pinion loosen the screws which help a little .I have now work out it is the draw tube which is tight . Can I use some type of oil on the tube to make it slide better .
I was think of using a silicon base spray ,or is their something better out their .
Ian C
:question::confused2::question:

[Barrykgerdes]

What sort of a telescope is it. Is it using plastic or aluminium. When sliding concentric tubes get stiff it may be caused by damage to the tubes caused by some sort of foreign matter. If oiling was not recommended in the manual I think you should look elsewhwere for the problem.

Barry

[I.C.D]

G"Day Barry,
Once again I have forgotten to add what my scope is ,it is a Meade LXD 75 8"SN with a plastic focuser that came with the scope .I have check the tube it sesame to be clean but its dry to touch which is causing not slide smoothly .Hope this helps
Ian C

[Barrykgerdes]

Ah, ha
It sounds like the plastic parts have suffered from exposure to the elements and have swelled enough to reduce the clearance of the slide.
I don't no the focuser of the LXD75 but if it can be disassembled you may be able to give it the necessary clearance be polishing the tube with crocus paper and then furniture polish to give it a new lease of life without oil.

Barry