SkyWatcher 250p Renovation project

[Kaminovs]

After completing this project, here is a small review how it went.

Done in this project:

1. Covering unneeded holes

2. Repainting

3. Focuser change to Revelation Crayford two speed focuser.

4. Finder needs to be redone.

5. Tube rings need to be re-felted.

Some pictures as I have recieved it.

[Kaminovs]

UPDATE:

Started work on OTA.

First was disasembly. Removed everything from OTA tube.

Tube rings are in total mess. Felt completely diapeared with years and this was causing alot of scratches on OTA.

Mirrors was dusted, but from first look in perfect order. Washing them will reveal more.

Mirror cell had upgraded colimation bolts, very usefull.

Tube is in bad shape. it needs some love.

[Kaminovs]

Update:

So here we go on tube repair.

Done some hammering to correct badly bend areas, filling holes with soft metal, sand grinding and more filling and sand grinding.

Some pictues:

Update:

Painted tube with primer. I used: Simoniz Large Grey Primer Aerosol Spray Paint 500ml

I needed to use 2 cans to spray tube in two coats. I think it will be enough as I decided to cover tube with vinyl.

This primer proven to be very good. Best results I seen. Smooth nice coat, super fast drying, very nice!

Also primed finderscope tube and focuser base plate.

[Kaminovs]

Update:

Washed both mirrors on OTA and both lences on finderscope. They was Dirty! Big time!

Also have a look on mirror cell now. looks good and solid. Operates very smoothly.

Some pictures:

UPDATE:

Applyed carbon vinyl to OTA.

From start it went ok, but later hands was clumsy and some bubles apeared. Hot air and going slowly helped alot to complete job.

I think I will put separate secion on how to apply vinyl later on.

Some pictures:

Also floked inside of tube. From next foto you can clearly see unfloked and floked parts and why it is needed to be done.

[Kaminovs]

FINAL UPDATE:

Completed scope flocking and assembly.

Mirror is back in its cell.

Collimated very good and fast.

And finaly ready to do its job. First target was Jupiter, had a lovely view on Juno and its four moons.

Enjoy it VERY much.

Some pictures of my new refurbished scope ( in my baby room)

[Kaminovs]

Hope mods wont kill me for uber long and picture filled post

[RogerTheDodger]

That's a brilliant job you have done there, what did you use to re-felt the tube rings?

[Kaminovs]

Self adhesive felt from Hobby Craft. I used it to flock and to felt. Its pitch black and cost 0.70 gbp per A4 page. I like using it.

[jimmyjamjoejoe]

Absolutely stunning job! I'd be too scared to dismantle a scope like that, but then, i haven't even got a scope yet lol

That carbon finish looks amazing, and the picture showing the flocked/nonflocked areas shows just how much difference it makes.

Was this an old scope of yours or did you buy it with plans to refurbish?

[assasincz]

A truly wanderful job you did there! The scope in all black/carbon finish looks mean! I am curious about the flocking - I know what it does, but I cant actually imagine the experience. For the visual observing, is the difference really that noticeable? What it does? (before/after in words?)

[Kaminovs]

I bought it like in first pictures, I knew it had perfect optics, and its all I needed basically, tube went to repair, and focuser was changed.

Concerning flocking, in my experience it gave much needed contrast, especially in light poluted enviroment.

[bish]

Excellent job.

[jbk44]

Amazing! Really enjoyed seeing this thread.

[Parus major]

Brilliant work. I love the mean as hell colour scheme the carbon gives you.

[theodoros1978]

Great skills you got there, well done!

[Kaminovs]

Thanks for nice words

And yeah, I like its black mean look myself, turned out better than I though it would.

[Quark]

Thats one lovely looking scope now love the carbon finish, hope you enjoy it as much as i have admiring it! Superb job.

[Veracocha]

Nice Sergey, job well done.

[Kaminovs]

Had a perfect obeserving session yesterday.

Really enjoyed a view new OTA provided and totaly love goto functionality of EQ6, it save alot of time on finding object and in UK's rare clear night it is very crucial to spend more time on observing rather to finding objects.

Had a perfect look at M31, M81, M13 and double clusters.

Jupiter later at night after it apeared from my roof, was just wow. Had a crisp view with 10mm X-cell, than barlowed still giving pleasant view with clear two rings and some texture.

Tried to barlow it x5 , but it was overkill for hot air and not really usable.

Comparing to my previous 200p views stronly impoved on DSo's and planet.

I am well pleased with new setup. Now time to go for some imaging.

[Odd Dob]

That does look pretty awesome, well done!

Just of out interest, is there any benefit from the carbon vinyl, or is it just aesthetic?

[Kaminovs]

For me carbon was a good solution, as OTa had many drilled and bend parts, so fully restoring for paintwork, would be much more complicated. So holes was filled, all sended and primed, but to to a super fine finish enought for paint. Outside was covered in vinyl, inside with flock.

[Quatermass]

Wow great project thanks for sharing what a stunner;-)

Sent from my GT-S5670 using Tapatalk

[Odd Dob]

I'm surprised the optics were in such good nick while all the metal work was so badly damaged. What's the story there then?

[Kaminovs]

Scope was used alot for imaging and optics was kept in very good condition, just a tube was not looked after, and seen loads of clear nights, so natural wear and loads of equipments instalations was done on it.

[Andrew*]

Fantastic project, and very well executed indeed. You've really breathed life into that old scope...

Makes me want to buy one!!

Andrew