[garymck (Gary)]

Hi
due to an accident with a vacuum cleaner (long story) I have a bent pinion shaft in the focuser of my TSA120. Takahashi have said that I am incapable of removing and replacing the 2 screws that hold the shaft in place, and are insisting that the whole focuser be returned to Japan where their experts will remove the 2 screws, fit a new pinion shaft and reinsert the 2 screws. This is despite the case that I was able to take the pinion shaft out and photograph it. The expected cost is almost equivalent to the purchase price of a new focuser. I actually reckon removing the whole focuser would be much more hassle than the 2 screws :-)

By any chance, does anyone have a spare pinion shaft they would let go?

Whilst I would like to keep the scope original, I'm not going to be held to ransom for a $2 part. At worst I'll fit a Feathertouch unit to the otherwise undamaged focuser.

cheers
Gary