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How Do I Fix This?
Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2019 5:40 pm
by Refractordude
A screw or whatever came out of the focuser tube. All is fine, the telescope is still very usable. The scope is a Meade LX70 120mm f8. What type/size of screw should I buy? I am not certain it was a screw that kept the focuser rail/track in proper place. Thanks to you all.
Re: How Do I Fix This?
Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2019 7:05 pm
by Thefatkitty
Hey Refractordude,
Well that sucks! Yeah, there's only two screws that hold these things on. You will need it eventually, as the one screw left will get loose/break.
The screw size? Freakin' small is all I've got on it. I don't have anything that measures a thread pitch that small
This is a picture of what you need with an eyeglasses screwdriver next to it for size:
IMG_1661 (2).jpg
Maybe a screw from some eyeglasses would do, though my dollar store specials have even smaller screws.
If you really can't find one, shoot me a PM with your address and I'll put this in the mail for you; I've got more than a few from old focusers. Might cost me two bucks postage, big deal; but I'd be willing to help you out, no strings attached
BTW, that's a nice scope!!!
All the best,
Re: How Do I Fix This?
Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2019 7:52 pm
by UlteriorModem
A little JB Weld epoxy will probably fix it fine! Just make sure it is good and clean and free of grease / oil first.
Re: How Do I Fix This?
Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2019 8:09 pm
by Bigzmey
You definitely want to fix it. Since there are two screws you can use the second as a reference on what to buy.
Nice scope, BTW.
Re: How Do I Fix This?
Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2019 8:16 pm
by Lady Fraktor
If you are a member of a club maybe someone has an old focuser laying about, a hobby store for R/C may have a screw that would fit.
If not a thin coating of JB Weld or 2 part epoxy should repair it for now.
Re: How Do I Fix This?
Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2019 9:02 pm
by notFritzArgelander
Great advice! I can't improve. Those Synta made 120mm f8.33 scopes can be very nice with some TLC. Hope yours is back in shape soon!
Re: How Do I Fix This?
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2019 5:19 am
by Refractordude
I will try some eyeglasses screws first. If that does not work the epoxy idea is great. Thanks to you all
Re: How Do I Fix This?
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2019 5:51 am
by Refractordude
Thefatkitty wrote: ↑Wed Nov 20, 2019 7:05 pm
Hey Refractordude,
Well that sucks! Yeah, there's only two screws that hold these things on. You will need it eventually, as the one screw left will get loose/break.
The screw size? Freakin' small is all I've got on it. I don't have anything that measures a thread pitch that small
This is a picture of what you need with an eyeglasses screwdriver next to it for size:
IMG_1661 (2).jpg
Maybe a screw from some eyeglasses would do, though my dollar store specials have even smaller screws.
If you really can't find one, shoot me a PM with your address and I'll put this in the mail for you; I've got more than a few from old focusers. Might cost me two bucks postage, big deal; but I'd be willing to help you out, no strings attached
BTW, that's a nice scope!!!
All the best,
Thanks a mil
Re: How Do I Fix This?
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2019 3:52 pm
by helicon
Yeah I would take out the other screw carefully and then take it over to ACE or some other hardware store. They have a pretty good department for screws of all sizes - wood screws, concrete screws, drywall screws, machine screws. I would guess it's a very small machine screw. Good luck with it.
Re: How Do I Fix This?
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2019 4:04 pm
by John Fitzgerald
It's metric. Likely about 2.5 mm, but carefully take the other screw out and match at a good hardware store. If you find them, get a spare. You never know, it could come out again. If what they have otherwise matches, but is too long, it is easily cut off and cleaned up with a hacksaw and file.
Re: How Do I Fix This?
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2019 6:52 pm
by pakarinen
You might also want to check some model railroad stores. There are vast numbers of tiny screws used in rolling stock, etc. My guess would be that a hobby shop that carries RC planes would have a good selection also.
Re: How Do I Fix This?
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2019 9:00 pm
by helicon
pakarinen wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2019 6:52 pm
You might also want to check some model railroad stores. There are vast numbers of tiny screws used in rolling stock, etc. My guess would be that a hobby shop that carries RC planes would have a good selection also.
Good idea.
My local ACE has a train department - they carry Lionels, Bachmann HO, N gauge and so forth.
Re: How Do I Fix This?
Posted: Mon Nov 25, 2019 4:34 am
by Refractordude
Thanks for all the advice
Re: How Do I Fix This?
Posted: Sat Jan 04, 2020 1:01 am
by russmax
When you do find a replacement screw, be sure to use a bit of blue loctite do keep it from wiggling back out again. Also, these thread are probably easily stripped, so easy on the torque, and get your confidence from the thread-lock glue to keep it in place.
--Russmax