Dented main tube on my reflector telescope

[willburrrr2003]

Good morning all, I am preparing to clean up this old Meade Telescope I was given.  Looking at it close the other day I found that the main scope body is dented and I am wondering if you this is a problem that will affect operation.

 

Regards,

    Will

[saac]

I doubt it will have any affect so long as it hasn't in any way interfered with how the primary mirror is held. Looking at the photograph is does not look that it has affected the mirror cell.  Easiest way to confirm is to stick it on the mount and take a look at some targets but I suspect all will be ok, assuming you have done a visual on the mirror to confirm it is ok.  Let us know how you get on.  

Jim  

Edited December 21, 2023 by saac

[Peter Drew]

That looks a fairly significant dent and from the position might have displaced the setting of the secondary holder and consequently the collimation.  Check that none of the spider vanes have been bent out of shape.  All can eventually be sorted out and the telescope should perform well.      🙂

[Second Time Around]

I did similar damage to my scope and the local body shop sorted it out beautifully.

[bosun21]

You could use the inner tube of a leather football and inflate it inside the dented tube. This works for the majority of dents