care for a dobsonian?

[cpoc]

Ok so I'm biting the bullet and all going well purchasing/receiving my 8" Dob tomorrow... but it occurred to me that I should check for how best to look after it.

If I'm not mistaken, it is a good idea to keep the top covered when not in use? Would a pillow case or similar be sufficient? Do any other portions need to be covered for best care?

The Dob will be stored in my garage/gym which does also house a lawnmower and whipper snipper... do these pose a threat to the scope?

Any advice on care and maintenance would be appreciated.

Really looking forward to first light... just hope I can move it to a spot to observe (still recovering from a surgical procedure which is limiting my lifting at the moment).

Thanks all for your help and thanks to Screwdriverone for advising to go for the Dob... I'm sure I will be thrilled when I start viewing the sky in detail

[Sarge (Rod)]

The two main causes for damage are dust and moisture. As long as your garage is moisture free - no problem. Regarding dust, the scope should come with a tube dust cover, usually a fitted plastic disc, if not buy one. Leave it on the open end of the tube when the scope is not in use. Also purchase a cloth or similar cover for the whole scope. I have a home made callico cover that goes to the floor, and I also purchased a patio heater cover with elastic trim - it fits over about 3/4 of the tube. A space blanket will also do a good job.

As long as you keep dust off the mirrors and moisture out of the tube - it will last for years.

PS - there is one other cause for damage, its called dropping - they haven't invented a cover for that yet

Clear skies

Rod

[Chif (Andrew)]

With mine I've gone over my screws and other metal parts (on the outside) with wd40 (use a paintbrush so you don't get it everywhere), that will prevent any corrosion. Most parts should be corrosion resistant, but if something scratches the coating it can still happen.

If you do this, don't put a whole lot on, the last thing you want is to be getting it all over your hands while your using your scope (which is easy in the dark)

[cpoc]

Thanks for the advice.
Having not seen the scope in person yet am I correct in assuming that the reason to get a cover for the whole scope is because there are parts on the tube (ie screw points etc) that may allow dust into the scope if not covered reasonably? Or is it more a precautionary thing though not likely to be an issue if there isn't a cover? (that may end up being a silly question once I see the scope in person).

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

One thing I did was protect the mount. These are only make of platic coated chipboard. I went around all the joins with silastic ans run a thin line of super glue along al the edges. Helps prevent moisture getting in. It has survived many a wet dewey night and on camps some rain( Under a cover of course, but it is still damp and chipboard just doesn't like that!)
The mirror end of your scope is usually open so dust can get in it there is a bit about. A shower cap over that end will help. If it wont fit make up something similar.
Dust on your mirror dosn't affect the view to much, but a dusty mirror can fog up a bit quicker if condition are right, though with a solid tube that is less of an issue.

Malcolm