Cleaning the dob

[Dave scutt]

My flocking material was due to arrive today from flo.

Waiting in anticipation I disassembled the dob. And cleaned the inside. 

Not long after, the postman arrived with the flocking material. 

After watching a quick video on YouTube  I decided to cut the meter long material in half to make it more manageable. .

After the flocking was done I used masking tape to get rid of any loose debris and excess fluff. 

Now it was time to reassemble the dob, starting with a new duel speed focuser. 

The primary mirror wasn't that dirty but the clips had been done up tight giving me pinched optics. 

I cleaned the mirror while it was out using the finger method and a drop of washing up liquid. Nice clean mirror. I used a piece of card under the clips so there not tight anymore.

Everything back together now, seems like a new dob. I also cleaned the bearings on the lazy susan and regreased them and it swings so smooth. 

Only thing left is to collimate which I've never done before,  im using a cap and a Cheshire. 

Will do a star test next time there out.

Dave.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[DaveL59]

Looking at the pic wonders if it's also worth flocking the inside of the focuser tube?

Looks awfully light/silvery in the photo.

[Spile]

21 hours ago, Dave scutt said:

My flocking material was due to arrive today from flo.

Waiting in anticipation I disassembled the dob. And cleaned the inside. 

Not long after, the postman arrived with the flocking material. 

After watching a quick video on YouTube  I decided to cut the meter long material in half to make it more manageable. .

After the flocking was done I used masking tape to get rid of any loose debris and excess fluff. 

Now it was time to reassemble the dob, starting with a new duel speed focuser. 

The primary mirror wasn't that dirty but the clips had been done up tight giving me pinched optics. 

I cleaned the mirror while it was out using the finger method and a drop of washing up liquid. Nice clean mirror. I used a piece of card under the clips so there not tight anymore.

Everything back together now, seems like a new dob. I also cleaned the bearings on the lazy susan and regreased them and it swings so smooth. 

Only thing left is to collimate which I've never done before,  im using a cap and a Cheshire. 

Will do a star test next time there out.

Dave.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That looks a great job including the mirror alignment. I’ve done virtually every thing the same as you.

[Dave scutt]

Just done a star test and the rings are concentric no more triangular shape.

I've never seen the stars so sharp , should have done this along time ago instead of putting it off ( being scared).