ED80 (Approx 100mm?) CNC Style Tube Rings

[Stephen]

I'm having little luck with Google though I'm sure I will of missed somewhere obvious

Does anyone manufacture / retail the WO style CNC tube rings in a size that fits an ED80 (It's approx 100mm outside diameter.)

Thanks in advance!

[AndyH]

Is it defo 100mm o/d ?

I honestly thought these were 90mm o/d ?

Andy

[Stephen]

Is it defo 100mm o/d ?

I honestly thought these were 90mm o/d ?

Andy

Nope, definitely around the 100/101 mark (vernier callipers but not long enough to measure it exactly across the diameter.)

[AndyH]

Mmmm.

There are 105mm CNC rings available.

http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/en/info/p3282_Astro-Professional-CNC-Rohrschellen---Set---fuer-Tuben-D-105mm.html

I wonder if some good quality thick felt glued on would be enough to clamp firmly?

Andy.

[Viv]

Is it for guiding ??

Only reason I ask, if I have my ST80 in the standard fixed 90mm rings. Only one time, that I haven't found a guide star.

[Stephen]

Mmmm.

There are 105mm CNC rings available.

http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/en/info/p3282_Astro-Professional-CNC-Rohrschellen---Set---fuer-Tuben-D-105mm.html

I wonder if some good quality thick felt glued on would be enough to clamp firmly?

Andy.

Interesting idea, wonder if anyone has actually done it?

Is it for guiding ??

Only reason I ask, if I have my ST80 in the standard fixed 90mm rings. Only one time, that I haven't found a guide star.

No, it's for "better" mounting my primary scope (thinking Losmandy plate / CNC rings)

[AndyH]

I'd be tempted to use some leather(not stuck down), as long as the scope isn't being continually moved along or out of the rings. I've done this very thing for my Carton 60/1000 and it makes the fit as snug as a rug.

[johninderby]

All you need is some of the 20mm wide Velcro strip (use the loop side) and stick it around the inside of the rings and that's enough to fit the 105mm rings to a 101mm tube. The Velcro strip is about 2.5mm thick when compressed.

Here's the 105mm rings fitted to the Carton 100mm project which uses a 101mm diameter tube.

John

[AndyH]

Nice one John.

How did I not remember that ?!?! I did this very thing to a set of chinese rings for my Tal 1.

[Stephen]

Thanks for the advice

I've just pinged TS an email to see if they can suspend / add to my existing OAG order (still pending) and get a set of these along with it

[AndyH]

They are very well priced for a set of cnc rings.

[hunterknox]

I'd be tempted to use some leather(not stuck down), as long as the scope isn't being continually moved along or out of the rings. I've done this very thing for my Carton 60/1000 and it makes the fit as snug as a rug.

What a very good idea. Thanks Andy!

[johninderby]

I'd be tempted to use some leather(not stuck down), as long as the scope isn't being continually moved along or out of the rings. I've done this very thing for my Carton 60/1000 and it makes the fit as snug as a rug.

Not the first time you've used leather with rings. :D

John

[AndyH]

Snort

Hehehehe. I hadn't scrolled all the way down the page and missed the photo. My mind was racing

Heh. Can't beat the ole belt n braces technique !!

:)Andy.

[StevieDvd]

All you need is some of the 20mm wide Velcro strip (use the loop side) and stick it around the inside of the rings and that's enough to fit the 105mm rings to a 101mm tube. The Velcro strip is about 2.5mm thick when compressed.

Here's the 105mm rings fitted to the Carton 100mm project which uses a 101mm diameter tube.

John

Did you use branded velcro? The only hook/loop I've seen so far is very thin (1mm uncompressed) which does not fill the gap enough. I have found some thick adhesive felt in Robert Dyas but it's a little too thick

[johninderby]

Halfords sells a few varieties of Velcro including some of the heavy duty stuff so it might be worth taking a look.

I bought some unbranded Velcro online as just the 20mm wide black tape but I can't find the company I bought it from now.

John

[Stephen]

I've ordered some cheap unbranded stuff off fleaBay, we shall see

[StevieDvd]

Thanks I'll see what their stuff is like and also try B&Q or Homebase as well as they'll likely sell the branded stuff.

2mm adhesive felt is hard to locate except for those wanting to buy a few hundred meters at a go!

[Stephen]

Well so far the bodge it and scarper method seems to have some success ...

The cheap 20mm stuff from eBay is no where near thick enough.

The thicker 25mm stuff from B&Q is almost thick enough but not quite.

A layer of each combined though is holding the OTA steady (through compression of the velcro) and I think it will do for now ...

Despite it looking as ugly as sin

[StevieDvd]

I found some of the branded Velcro heavy duty which comes in 50mm wide, it was thicker but still too loose.

I'll see if I can find some 2mm or 3mm felt and use some double-sided sticky tape.

Only good luck with equipment this weekend was the delivery of an ADM vixen dovetail from ABS which fitted so well I'm on the lookout for another!

[StevieDvd]

I've ordered black felt 2mm-3mm off Ebay 30" by 20" for under a fiver posted. Will see if that works with double-sided tape

Also ordered another 7" ADM dovetail, some adapters for my Baader Herschel wedge and some Borax powder to annoy the ants taking over the garden

It's only money

[Earl]

Let me know when you finds some as im after 2 sets

[Stephen]

I think the leather is the winning solution here, the velcro isn't working for me.

I found a 3.5mm thick strap, and it's slightly too big (the rings don't close) so with I've just ordered some that is 2.2mm thick, and that should be bang on

[AndyH]

Excellent.

I must admit I do like using leather for stuff like this. It's kind to the paint or anodised finish of the tubes etc.

Andy.

[StevieDvd]

Found a workable solution, Felt pads from Wickes. These are a little thinner than the Robert Dyas ones and just the right length. Just needed to cut them to 20mm wide and voila - all sorted!

From Wickes - £3.04