Sorry for flooding the forums, just two last questions (for now). How important are the teflon pads on the base of the 10" dob? Mine doesn't have any. Steven seems to think they are what will stop it from spinning so freely and lose the object. Is this true? Also has anyone put handles on the sides of their base (not the one that came with the base) to make it easier to carry?
If it is a GSO dob it uses a metal roller bearing. there is no teflon in these scope now! I found this to be little light on the 12", even a light breeze caused it to move. Get some felt pads that they sell to put under furniture and 3 of those spaced between the feet on the base should do the trick
I have asked the same question about handles Tammy as it seems like such an obvious thing to have! No one seems to have done it but I will definitely do it soon as I find a decent pair. I am guessing something like the one that came with the base on my 12" Skywatcher. Meanwhile as some have suggested I have been carrying it by the tension handle and the other one (for short distances with another person) but am not really that happy with that.
The leaflet included in discontinued GSO Dobsonian style telescope base boxes showing needle roller bearings and steel sheets being incorporated within a rotating base is incorrect. In fact, teflon pads are fitted to those Dobsonian telescopes' bases!
The new Adjustable tension Super Deluxe (ASDX) GSO Dobsonians have an upgraded needle roller bearing rotating base which now incorporates thicker steel plates.
(for now). How important are the teflon pads on the base of the 10" dob? Mine doesn't have any. Steven seems to think they are what will stop it from spinning so freely and lose the object. Is this true? Also has anyone put handles on the sides of their base (not the one that came with the base) to make it easier to carry?
