Hi,
Only thing I'd add is to emphasize that the Ebony Star laminate solution is the only real way to improve that stiction, that or adding roller bearings in place of the teflon pads. And that (rollers) is actually equally problematic because they are more prone to break/stick/ etc, and sometimes have TOO much freedom. A touch of friction is useful...just a touch...
An interim solution may be to increase the SIZE of your current teflon bearings. If you can find some and have the tools and skills, that has worked for others I've read on other forums. But the stiction problem is due largely to the too-fine texture of the cheaper stock laminates used on these scopes. As said, you want somethign a bit "pimply" so the adhesion forces and mini-vacuum effect of the teflon-on-laminate is broken up.
I upgraded to Ebony Star, and, like Eric, I noted improvement. But it wasn't until I just recently increased my teflon pad size that I really appreciated the improved AZ motion. Now it's Obsession-like.
Armour All, paste wax, work well and can get you thru a few hours, BUT seems to gum up and collect dust, with resultant WORSE friction usually by the end of the night. Even more so in very cold temps, I've noted.
If you have no tool skills (me
) you can probably find some scrap Ebony Star and pay a kitchen laminate place to glue on your laminate. I did that here in Mel and liked the result.
Good hunting!
Scott
GSO dob azimuth motion
L.
