Replacing mirror cell springs in Skywatcher 8" dobson

[Piero]

In order to improve collimation and remove the block screws, I have been considering the replacement of the default springs at the back of my Sky-Watcher 8" dobson. 

As the telescope is in Italy, this work will be done at Christmas. 

Has someone done this before? If so, which springs do you advice? 

Thanks, Piero

[Geoff Barnes]

Hi Piero,

I replaced my SW Dob springs a few months ago. I simply took one of the original ones off and went down to our local B & Q equivalent (Bunnings in Australia) and bought three of similar length but much thicker gauge steel and replaced them all.

Only cost a couple of dollars each and feels much more solid, holds collimation better now too, just a mimor tweak occasionally.

[pregulla]

I replaced mine with bellville washers. 16mm OD, 8mm ID IIRC. 3 in series on each screw, depending on how much travel you need.