Spare bits 'n bobs

[Old Hairy]

Can anyone tell me where I can find bits and pieces for my Skywatcher 150p? I need bolts and washers for mounting tube rings to the dovetal plate, a wingnut and screw for the accessory tray, and a cover for the hole where the eyepiece goes into the focuser. I'm sure I'm not the first person to need bits 'n bobs but trawling around the net has come up with nothing remotely useful. Thanks.

Ian

[Astro Imp]

A trawl round B&Q or Home Base is probably a good place to start for various bolts and nuts etc. Not sure about the focuser cover.

[Tinker1947]

Stainless Steel bits and bobs from http://www.a2a4.com/acatalog/KNURLED-THUMB-SCREWS---NUTS-SECTON.html

[jgs001]

Ian, to fit standard SW tube rings to the dovetail, you want M6 bolts, you should be able to get them from any hardware shop. I took a tube ring along to my local (non superstore variety) and tried them until I found the right fit. 

[Peter Drew]

Try Astroboot, part of Scopes & Skies for items like eyepice holder covers. 

[JamesF]

I think astroboot is offline for the moment, though it is a useful place for picking up odds and ends.  I like to use stainless when I'm replacing bolts and so on, but they're often hard to get in small numbers.  If all else fails, you can often find odd sizes available in small quantities on ebay.

James

[m37]

If you have a Wilkinson store near you I have found their stuff to be pretty good for the money. And they come in small packs so you're not left with hundreds spare.

[Old Hairy]

Thanks guys, will visit the local independant old-fashioned ironmonger today. The toddler responsible for the missing parts has been warned that "if you go near Uncle's shiny stuff again you'll spend a few days in the dog crate!"

[Astro Imp]

Thanks guys, will visit the local independant old-fashioned ironmonger today. The toddler responsible for the missing parts has been warned that "if you go near Uncle's shiny stuff again you'll spend a few days in the dog crate!"

Harsh but fair 

[NGC 1502]

As above, a DIY etc shop is a good source of stuff.

For more specialised astronomy bits, try here http://beaconhilltelescopes.org.uk/ I've always found Barry Watts helpful, and it's easier to phone him, I've found.

Regards, Ed.

[Alfian]

Stainless Steel bits and bobs from http://www.a2a4.com/acatalog/KNURLED-THUMB-SCREWS---NUTS-SECTON.html

Stainless stuff is usefull and thats a handy link, thanks.