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Hi Brian,
My comment that you quote was in regards to my later discussion on this thread about Sky-Watcher's Maksutov-Newtonian. Sorry, the thread evolved a bit away from the original C6R discussion.
I'm happy for you that you got a good C6R. Many forums have users talking about how the C6 Refractor is either, i. bad; ii. average, or iii. great/fantastic. There doesn't seem to be consistency in quality control with the production of those so it's great that you won the telescope lottery in that instance and got a good one! It should be noted however that consistency in quality control is not guaranteed for even very expensive instruments. I have read reports of even Losmandy mount f*ck ups.
Certainly at that price point, keeping it in perspective, at a minimum it would make an interesting project adding/evolving parts for fun to see how good one could make it.
As you mentioned it shouldn't be dismissed as a beginner telescope either. My first telescope was for my fourteenth birthday and it was a Tasco 76mm 700mm FL Newtonian in 1998. What would almost universally be condemned as junk by many. But my particular one is fantastic. Must have been made with enthusiastic employees with an abnormally high quality wave of components. In 20 years the mirrors have only degraded very minimally, the aluminium tube is still great, the focuser, although a 0.965 size, is incredibly smooth, I love that little telescope. It provided crisp, clear views of Jupiter, Saturn and M42, and really got me hooked on Astronomy. 20 years later, it sits on my desk as a loved ornament and reminder of my start in astronomy. Now later in life, I am starting the path to become a Professional Astronomer/Astrophysicist through Astronomy degrees with USQ. My point is that such beginner telescopes should not be universally condemned, as some do come through the production line better off than average, and that small telescope gave rise to a new professional astronomy mind later in life. Likewise, the gift of a simple and affordable C6R or similar, may be the conduit to other young minds seeking a career in astronomy later in life.
Best of luck with your refractor Brian! Cheers for your reply!
Cheers,
Mark
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