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Old 20-02-2013, 09:33 PM
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Removing 3" visual back from Meade SCT

I can't budge the 3" visual back from my Meade SCT.

I figure that it should just screw off in the usual ACW direction, but I can't budge it at all by using my hands - even with a 'grippy' piece of rubber.

Surely I don't have to resort to stilsens?

Any suggestions welcome!

Thanks, Chris
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Old 20-02-2013, 10:04 PM
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Rosin on the hands, have at it

Seriously - I had a VERY old scope once where I could not get the ocular off no matter what I tried. Went to a sports store, got some rosin, dusted on my hands, and tried again. Took some grunting, but I got it off!
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Old 20-02-2013, 10:07 PM
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BlackWidow (Mardy)
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It should just unscrew as you say. I had the something a day ago with 2 thread extenders. I had to apply a small amount of heat with a butane flame and the use a rubber grip glamp to turn it. It worked and then I used dry lube to stop it from binding again. The rubber glamp is a small version of an oil filter remover used on pipes. Get them from Bunnings. Gentle gentle as not to damage anything.



Mardy
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Old 20-02-2013, 10:27 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LewisM View Post
Rosin on the hands, have at it

Seriously - I had a VERY old scope once where I could not get the ocular off no matter what I tried. Went to a sports store, got some rosin, dusted on my hands, and tried again. Took some grunting, but I got it off!
Thanks Lewis - That's a good idea and I think I have some resin here somewhere.

Chris
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Old 20-02-2013, 10:28 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackWidow View Post
It should just unscrew as you say. I had the something a day ago with 2 thread extenders. I had to apply a small amount of heat with a butane flame and the use a rubber grip glamp to turn it. It worked and then I used dry lube to stop it from binding again. The rubber glamp is a small version of an oil filter remover used on pipes. Get them from Bunnings. Gentle gentle as not to damage anything.



Mardy
Thanks Mardy, that's also a good idea. I could use a hair dryer to warm up the piece and then try the type of clamp that you suggested.

Cheers, Chris
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Old 20-02-2013, 10:39 PM
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Thanks Lewis - That's a good idea and I think I have some resin here somewhere.

Chris
ROSIN, not resin. You don't want to glue your hands to it Rosin is a white powder, that increases grip for weightlifters etc. Creates a slight adhesive when mixed with sweat etc.

But ya knew that
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Old 20-02-2013, 11:31 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LewisM View Post
ROSIN, not resin. You don't want to glue your hands to it Rosin is a white powder, that increases grip for weightlifters etc. Creates a slight adhesive when mixed with sweat etc.

But ya knew that
Thanks Lewis, and please excuse my spelling! What I have is the rosin for a violin bow; it makes the horse hair grip the strings as it's bowed across them. I could give that a go in conjunction with a bit of gentle heat from a hair dryer.
Chris
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Old 21-02-2013, 07:19 AM
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Merlin66 (Ken)
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Chris,
I use a heavy duty BOA rubber wrench for all these "difficult" customers....getting an etalon off a PST can be VERY difficult at times.
BTW Any fine astro threads - to stop them binding just give them a light wipe with shoe polish (your choice of colour!) - works everytime.
http://www.justtools.com.au/prod4247.htm
(cheaper on ebay)
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Old 21-02-2013, 12:55 PM
toc (Tim)
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Perhaps you could use one of those tools they use to remove oil filters?
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  #10  
Old 21-02-2013, 11:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Merlin66 View Post
Chris,
I use a heavy duty BOA rubber wrench for all these "difficult" customers....getting an etalon off a PST can be VERY difficult at times.
BTW Any fine astro threads - to stop them binding just give them a light wipe with shoe polish (your choice of colour!) - works everytime.
http://www.justtools.com.au/prod4247.htm
(cheaper on ebay)
Ken, that tool looks made for the job. And not very expensive either. Thanks for the suggestion.

Chris
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  #11  
Old 21-02-2013, 11:44 PM
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Originally Posted by toc View Post
Perhaps you could use one of those tools they use to remove oil filters?
Thanks Tim. You can take the prize for offering the winning suggestion!

I wrapped a strip of anti-slide rubber mat around the adapter, and it took only a very light force on the oil filter spanner to loosen the adapter. Job done!

The new adapter and focuser were then on in no time.

Cheers, Chris
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  #12  
Old 22-02-2013, 08:28 AM
toc (Tim)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisM View Post
Thanks Tim. You can take the prize for offering the winning suggestion!

I wrapped a strip of anti-slide rubber mat around the adapter, and it took only a very light force on the oil filter spanner to loosen the adapter. Job done!

The new adapter and focuser were then on in no time.

Cheers, Chris
Awesome What's my prize?
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  #13  
Old 23-02-2013, 06:01 AM
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Awesome What's my prize?
Just the satisfaction of knowing that you helped a fellow amateur.

Thanks again.

Chris
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  #14  
Old 24-02-2013, 02:27 PM
matthewota (Matthew)
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I have never figured out why the back of the older Meade LX series SCTs have that large screw on visual back.
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  #15  
Old 24-02-2013, 02:50 PM
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multiweb (Marc)
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Tape the thread on the ring so you don't damage it then get a car oil filter wrench and yank it out. Bit of WD40 is it's really stuck prior. Then oil it a little when you put it back. Just a wipe with an oily kleenex is enough.
PS: Oops. Already said below. Should read before posting.
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