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Yep......same scope. The tube is made from rolled steel painted gloss white on the outside. The tube had quite a few dents and scrapes and really needed refinishing. I contemplated repainting it but I have wanted to try this technique I have read about where you cover the tube in the cloth of your choice and then cover with clear finish.
I first knocked the dents out as best I could then sanded the gloss white paint exterior to provide for better glue adhesion. I then used a specialist spray on glue that promised to stick fabric to metal. I found it needed a minimum of 4 hands to apply the fabric to the tube.
Once the fabric is in place it then needs to be covered with protective covering. In this case I am using Estapol (turps cleanup). I have now applied 3 coats of matt finish Estapol without sanding. I did not sand between coats as I was concerned about going through the thin layer of Estapol and contacting the cloth. Now that I have 3 layers in place I try some light sanding this afternoon and if all OK, apply 2-3 layers of high gloss Estapol, sanding between coats.
Why am I doing this?
1. I have wanted to try this technique for a while.
2. I wanted this scope to look appealing and interesting.
3. This finish should be more robust than enamel paint on steel.
4. This external finish, combined with internal flocking should slightly insulate the steel and so reduce the potential for "super cooling" and therefore primary mirror fogging. I still remember this happened to me with my new Tasco in its first night out ( and regularly after that) on a cold September night in the Victorian Central Highlands 30+ years ago......I thought it was broken!!
5. It fun!!
Cheers
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