I thought that I would pose the question of what are the small (or big) irritating things that can and do go wrong in the DIY area? Murphy is, after all, an amateur astronomer.
I'll start with a couple of recent things;
1. trying to remove a lens (see thread) and finally getting some action with the Dremel Versatip. Then it stops working. Checked the inside and all connections seem there, but gas no longer flows as well. So have to chase up a new one. Remembering that we are rural, the local hardware store doesn't have any in stock, the nearest large town has one hardware store from a large chain and they don't stock any Dremel product and so, wanting to support local business I choose to order from the local hardware store. This will take another week for them to receive it. Meanwhile time marches on.
2. another idea was to have an 8" mirror coated for IR use. I found someone who could do the job, we exchanged a couple of emails, then after two more emails, there has been no response. Another couple of weeks down the rain. Now to find another coating service - preferably local within this country, but I wouldn't be surprised if the mirror has to take a trip to the US.
3. a simple thing, an optics test bench, so one would think. But it is now four weeks since I requested a simple quote from the local engineering company. I ring or drop in and keep getting the run around. What can be simpler than a sheet of steel with holes in it????? Each day the surplus bench ( Melles Griot) is looking more and more like a bargain at US$3000!
Fortunately, there are several other things on the go, so it is a matter of bringing them from the back burners and hopefully some small victory over commercial and industrial inertia can be hard fought for and won.
So, what might Murphy be doing in your neck of the woods?
