Broken Focuser

[Earl]

When Simon and myself were installing my the lakeside focuser there was an unusual sound but we were unable to see what it was.

Well now I have found out....

The front two of the bearings which hold the tube in place have got cracked flanges with chunks missing out of them tonight my focuser was slipping so i tightened it a little, there was a crack and the tube with camera attached almost fell out. luckily the rear two bearings are fine and prevented the tube from falling out.

Where do I start looking to get a replacement set of bearings?

[astroimpulse]

What are they? Should have a number printed on them.

[simon84]

Hi Earl, I cant believe its as extensive as that. Is it worth contacting Revelation and having a word? The other option I suppose is to remove one of the other bearings and get some measurements from it and find a bearing supplier. I found one recently as I was thinking of using a lazy susan bearing for the dob.

I'll have a look through my history and see if I can find it again.

[Earl]

I cant see any visible markings on them

[astroimpulse]

There's a universal numbering system and the letters (like zz) normally mean budget metal shield etc

Go here and put in the dimensions on the right:

Bearings - Suppliers of Ball Bearings, Roller Bearings, Bearing King Ltd

I know me bearings and these guys are good.

I recently replaced the budget worm bearings on the EQ6 and the difference is massive.

[simon84]

Hi Earl, have a look on Simply Bearings Ltd ~ Oil Seals SKF FAG TIMKEN KOYO NTN NKE TRULOC Needle Rollers Taper Rollers Rod Ends Oilite Bushes Loose Balls O Rings Grease Plain Thrust - Simply Bearings Ltd ~ Oil Seals SKF FAG TIMKEN KOYO NTN NKE TRULOC Needle Rollers Taper R

[simon84]

Couple of options to run with. Fire an email off to Revelation though, I think Telescope House are one of their main retailers so might be worth giving them a shout if you have no joy.

[Earl]

Piccys

[astroimpulse]

Ouch

I recently fired an email to OVL for a replacement bearing holder and they told me they could get one by Feb! lol They were helpful though.

Is Revelation closer to home?

@Simon: Simply Bearings are good too! Good call [thumbsup]

[Earl]

I think the bearing is a MF148ZZ

[astroimpulse]

If you have no luck with the Revelation guys you could try emailing one of the companies me and Simon mentioned.

In fact both. Simply Bearings have always been slow to reply for me and Bearing King fast. But both know their field and will likely bag you one of these easily.

[Earl]

Only ones i can find in the UK are these

Flanged Metric Frame

I have dropped them a mail and will see what happens.

[astroimpulse]

Haha...was just coming to link to them Over 270 in stock apparently

But try the other two if no luck as they'll get them even if they're not on their site.

[Earl]

I have also found a states based eBay seller who does them in 10's if I cant get some in the UK.

Feeling somewhat less stressed now as there is a light at the end of the tunnel

[astroimpulse]

Hopefully you won't have to go to that extent (or price). Seems there's suppliers that do it cheaper if you go to the US. << Another US one >>

You won't have to though and they'll cost a few quid each here.

Canon also seem to have them under a part number 4A3-2493-N if you get stuck

But you won't

[yeti monster]

Do you have a local bearing factors? I generally rely on my local supplier for all my bearing needs, although whether or not they'd have such small ones I don't know.

[haitch]

I can also recommend Simply Bearings as I have used them for replacing the bearings on a JMI crayford.

[simon84]

Earl, when you've found them let me know and I'll go halves on them with you, feel a bit responsible. I know I didnt turn the screw but I did say to turn it.

Glad to hear that you've found some though.

[Earl]

No stress Simon these things happen, ill have fun reassembling it all...

[johninderby]

Revelation is Telescope Houses own brand so they may be able to help you.

John

[simon84]

No stress Simon these things happen, ill have fun reassembling it all...

Ok mate, I know what you mean though....nothing like a bit of tinkering.

Thanks John for the information regarding Revelation, I wasnt sure if it was TH own brand or not.

[Earl]

Trying Simply Bearings now as I cant get a "Yes we have in stock" and and post them to you.

Some company's just don't know how to communicate ! its very frustrating.

[astromerlin]

Try these guys, I've bought bearings off them before they might have the size you need.

Miniature Flanged Ball Bearings

[Earl]

Simple Bearings have turned up trumps and I have placed an order.

hopefull they will arrive early next week.

Fingers Crossed !

[Earl]

Im glad to report Job Done !!!

Im just puting the focuser with camera to full and park a few times and so far no problems