Quote:
Originally Posted by Larryp
Try JMI (Jim's Mobile Industries) website. They manufacture all sorts of cases. Also check OPT's website, as they stock many different bags.
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JMI Cases are nice cases, saw one at Stellafane. When I first looked at JMI cases a couple of years ago, the cost of the case was reasonable, however, the cost of freight made it horrendously expensive, as the weight is calculated on volumetric weight, and not actual weight. The 8" case is light, but a big case, by volume. I ended up having a professional instrument "road case" made here in Perth, for less than it cost to get the JMI case.
I had approached a number of road case manufacturers, and indeed, some were very expensive, quoting me over a grand, and that was a wood case with aluminium edges. It cost me $650 for this all aluminium case to be made, which I know seems expensive, but think about the equipment that you are protecting. Having had issues with substandard cases in the past where a telescope was damaged, I didn't think $650 was unreasonable. I protect all my gear, as I simply cannot afford to replace it, or send it away to get fixed, if it is damaged. When you consider those sort of costs, the price is cheap really. It just depends on how much you want your equipment protected.
This case was specifically made to fit my Nexstar (with JMI focuser attached), diagonal storage, counterweights and with the finder still attached, unlike JMI cases, which require removal. As you will note on the images below, the wedge shape also allows storage of the counterweights, which cannot move within the case. Also, all corners are protected with reinforcing, very strong butterfly locks (key lock) are used and it has recessed handles.
So, look around at other case manufacturers, as you may be surprised by the variability in pricing. I get all my cases made by Image Alloys Cases in Kewdale (Perth) as his prices are the most reasonable, without any loss of quality. He also made the case for my 80ED and accessory cases shown, for my Delos kit and Ethos kit..
Hope this is of help.
Cheers Pete