Need some quick help. Telescope DIY.

[Arman]

Hello all.

I've yet again made more modifications to my Celestron Astromaster 130EQ.

Just a quick question, is it safe to drill into the tube?

I've got a new finder scope and the fittings don't match.
It's the only possible way i guess?

Any Suggestions.

Thanks all =)

Need it done asap. Got the family coming over, and they want to observe.

[bojan]

I would not do it without removing optics first, if possible.
Then I would use vacuum cleaner very close to the drilling (somebody should help by holding the hose) , to immediatelly suck all dust produced before it reaches other places, like mirror surfaces.

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

drilling into the tube of a newtonian is fine. just make sure metal shavings dont fall on your mirror and clean them all up after you're done with a vacuum.

[Arman]

Okay, So I'll be removing Primary & Secondary mirrors?

[bmitchell82 (Brendan)]

turn the tube upside down, that way it is impossible for the shavings to fall in. thats how i did it and it worked a treat.! as long as your just punching some small holes in i don't belive it makes much of a difference

[leon]

Dont remove anything, as said, turn it facing the ground, put a little vasaline on the drill bit to catch the tiny shaving, and go for it, it will be all well. I have done it many times.

Leon

[gbeal]

I'll side with the masses here, although strictly speaking Bojan is right, the optics should be out.
But if all you are doing is drilling sime smallish holes, then the upside down, and Vaseline system should suffice.
Gary

[Arman]

It's worked!

Feel so happy now.
Got the 50x finder scope attached.

Just two hours to they come now, and working on the collimation to be exact.

He he,

Truly happy days

Thanks everyone.

[bmitchell82 (Brendan)]

No problems mate, glad we could help you out

[acropolite (Phil)]

If you're going to invert the tube and drill, I would be removing the secondary before drilling at least.

[bmitchell82 (Brendan)]

well if your only putting though a small hole, then it shouldn't really matter unless your a compleate clutz and useless and in any case shouldn't be drilling into anything regardless if the mirror is there or not.

I drilled mine with some vaseline, popped a pilot hole though first then to the size needed, though i had mine horizontally drilling up into the tube from underneith, gravity takes hold for shavings, then used the vacume to suck up 99% and a dampend tissue to get any ultra fine stuff. Now if shavings can get to the Primary let alone the secondary they deserve to be there!

Then again im a qualified Data electrician so i have trade experience.

[AstroJunk (Jonathan)]

Originally Posted by bmitchell82

well if your only putting though a small hole, then it shouldn't really matter unless your a compleate clutz and useless and in any case shouldn't be drilling into anything regardless if the mirror is there or not.

Well said. I have seen plenty of chipped and scratched mirrors due to their removal from their safe(ish) environment for no good reason - far more risky than a drilling a hole at the top end.

Well done Araman on a nice new finder, with no drama.