actually got a can of silicon spray here as well... didn't even think to use it.. also got a can of electrolube.. i might give the electrolube a shot first as that dries dryer than silicon spray.
What I do is first polish the Formica with car polish (wich is on the bottom of the rocker box, the opposite surface to the Teflon pads) and then take the excess polish off. I then put a very thin coating of armoral. The polish does make a difference and the telescope moves very smoothly and I haven't had any problems with dust so far.
I have not tried the silicon spray on the telescope but I have used it on my fishing reels, I don't see why it shouldn't work.
I have heard that armoural is about the worst thing to use. It will decrease dynamic friction but increase static friction. ie make it sticky to start moving, but once moving it will move easier. This will cause you to overshoot when making minor adjustments and not desirable.
The people who are happiest with their dobs motions are the ones who used the right materials and dont mess with additives which will require regular cleaning and maintenance.
What I do is first polish the Formica with car polish (wich is on the bottom of the rocker box, the opposite surface to the Teflon pads) and then take the excess polish off. I then put a very thin coating of armoral. The polish does make a difference and the telescope moves very smoothly and I haven't had any problems with dust so far.
I have not tried the silicon spray on the telescope but I have used it on my fishing reels, I don't see why it shouldn't work.
Ed, All,
I have a polycarbonate ring I made at work(well got made ) That fits under the rocker box. Its about 1mm thick and I used a self adhesive laminate which was roll pressed on with a laminting machine.
This ring has a super smooth finish. I tried different surface types and found the smoother finishes worked best. I did try those supersliders I got at Bunnings but found they where not smooth enough and gripped a bit to much.
I also apply a little furniture polish on the ring which keeps it very smooth.
The ring I found best running on the original teflon pads.
I have no trouble tracking at 400x when needed Not often!
I don't have a digital camera, behind the times I guess!
Next time I catch up with Geoff in the daylight, which does not happen much Maybe Geoff can take a picture.
Geoff, If you like the way my scope moves I can look into getting one made and maybe more!
Geoff, If you like the way my scope moves I can look into getting one made and maybe more!
I was curious as to the diameter of that disk. I know your scope has a bit of a wobble which may indicate the disk is placing all the weight around the centre pivot. Does the disk actually contact the outer pads?
I was curious as to the diameter of that disk. I know your scope has a bit of a wobble which may indicate the disk is placing all the weight around the centre pivot. Does the disk actually contact the outer pads?
Geoff,
The mount has changed a bit since you have last seen it. Those large washers i had in the centre of the mount are now much smaller.
The ring is the same diameter as the rocker box and is 50mm wide.
This ring rides on the teflon. I also still use the centre washers but as i said are much smaller. Weight of the whole scope and mount is much more evenly distributed now.
I also put .25mm chrome mylar on the altitude bearings which has made these very smooth also. They where pretty good anyway.
Sounds great Dave , Ill look forward to checking it all out .
I added an extra washer to my centre bolt as the milk bottle washers had compressed a bit . Its now got a slight wobble but moves much better and with the new counterwiegths i can run springless on the altitude hubs . Much nicer
i was wondering what particular size those supersliders are ?
i can get all sort of different sizes (for replacing the roller bearings)
thanks (for an 12 inch dob)
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I am pretty sure that mine are either 50mm or 60mm size. I still have them on my mount. I just tried applying a little bit of VASOLINE to the bearings and it now turns like butter, but it doesn't spin around if there's a slight breeze, it turns perfectly!!!!...try it...and don't listen to what others say, IT HAS BEEN PROVED TO WORK !!!!
Just make sure that you're not going to be getting any "dirt", or debris in between there or it will stick to the vasoline and cause you millions of more problems!!!!!
keep looking up and CHEERS !!!!
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Mark
12" Gso Scope
Did anyone else who added SuperSliders to their base also have to get a longer center bolt? I put mine on last week, and the old bolt just wasnt long enough to grip into the nylock nut.
Not often!
