Quote:
Originally Posted by zumka
There are some minor scratches on the surface of the tube. See the attached photos
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The damage you have there could potentially affect the smoothness of the focuser, which is obviously a problem when trying to achieve fine focus.
The dints/gouges/scratches could carefully be filed and then sanded down, to remove
any high spots, BUT be careful not go below the surface and thereby create a valley. I would try using a small fine flat metal file and then some sandpaper on a hard backing, BUT ONLY REMOVE THE HIGH SPOTS.
After that I would get the ball bearings as they're probably inexpensive and fit them to see if the focuser action is smooth or smooth enough. If it isn't then either buy a new focuser or possibly consider using some metal laden epoxy to fill the gouges file/sand back the tube to smooth.
You could also call Bintel and ask them whether they have an aftermarket replacement focuser for your scope or if they could supply you with the original focuser or parts of it as spare parts from Skywatcher.
Best
JA