Ebony Star comes in 2 surfaces... which 1?

[davewaldo]

Hi Everyone,

With all the talk on this forum about ebony star I decided I would give this mod a go.

Finding ebony star laminate was not the problem the first place I went to had it with the "50" surface no worries. However the next place I went to (I was looking for offcuts) had it in "90" surface which is much smoother. Apparently it is available as either from the factory.

My question is... Which is the "true" ebony Star that everyone uses for their dob azimuth bearings?

I assume it to be the "50" surface as it is bumpier but the bumps are smoother if that makes sense . However the 90 surface is finer but rougher. The pics below show this better than I can describe it.

I have included a couple of photos to show the difference. The left sample is the "50" surface. The right sample is similar to the "90" surface. I couldn't get a willson art sample for the "90" surface, the one I have photographed is a little coarser than the willion art 90 but similar. The colours are obviously not ebony star. The photos are roughly life size.

[davewaldo]

Also if anyone wishes to go "thirds" on a sheet of ebony star once I know which one to get, just PM me. One third should be more than enough for most dobs.

I'm in Brisbane so once I have it your share could be picked up from there, or I could send it if that is viable.

Cheers.

[Tannehill]

Well, you've got me. I hadn't realized it came in two textures 50 and 90 until another poster pointed that out, also citing 90 as the correct choice. I'd agree, but don't rely on me alone....

I've managed to secure a off-cut piece here in MEL, otherwise I'd go in with you on that deal.

Regards

Scott

Originally Posted by davewaldo

Hi Everyone,

With all the talk on this forum about ebony star I decided I would give this mod a go.

Finding ebony star laminate was not the problem the first place I went to had it with the "50" surface no worries. However the next place I went to (I was looking for offcuts) had it in "90" surface which is much smoother. Apparently it is available as either from the factory.

My question is... Which is the "true" ebony Star that everyone uses for their dob azimuth bearings?

I assume it to be the "50" surface as it is bumpier but the bumps are smoother if that makes sense . However the 90 surface is finer but rougher. The pics below show this better than I can describe it.

I have included a couple of photos to show the difference. The left sample is the "50" surface. The right sample is similar to the "90" surface. I couldn't get a willson art sample for the "90" surface, the one I have photographed is a little coarser than the willion art 90 but similar. The colours are obviously not ebony star. The photos are roughly life size.

[davewaldo]

hmmm... ok now I am a bit confused. I've just been looking at your thread tannehill at http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=19015
and it seems a few people including yourself mention that that it is the 50 texture that we want.



Stakler says : "I have in my hand right now a sample of Wilsonart Laminate 4552-50 Ebony Star and it is the one to get. The "90" texture is a much finer grain."

[Darkplague]

The longer piece on the photo looks like it has the same texture as the Ebony star I bought.

Have you got a small piece of Teflon handy?
If so, play around with it for a few minutes on both surfaces, you will soon guage for yourself which is the "better" surface to use.

[OCULUS]

as far as I know most opt for the 50 featherstone finish

[Tannehill]

50 for the base is the choice, yes. And if you are looking for strips for your altitude bearings, then what I've found is the finer 90 finish is what is offered by several US vendors.

scott

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

Yep go with the 50, Obsession Telescopes recommend it and I have heard many other ATMers say it also.

[Roo]

Hi davewaldo,
I'm keen on buying a share of your ebony star laminate. I'm also in Brissie. PM me with your contact details at andrew at molland dot id dot au.
Cheers,
Andrew.

[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

Just to confirm. It is the #50 finish you need to get. It doesn't actually have to be "ebony star". That is only the colour designation. What is important is the finish texture of #50 finish. They do make the #50 finish in a couple of other colours buit I can't remember which. The advantage of ebony star is that it has the right texture and looks decorative.

Clear Skies
John Bambury

[davewaldo]

Well that seems to settle it then. The general concensis is the #50 texture.

Thankyou everyone for your input!