tripod for ETX60

My girlfriend's son has a Meade ETX60 and the scope is nice but the tripod should be an embarresment for Meade...what a POS it is....and likewise very discourging for the young man. My question is...is there an aftermarket tripod for the Meade ETX60 or a solution? I tried searching the web but no luck...

thanks for your help

I'm hoping you found some alternatives in your search for an ETX60 tripod, but in case you didn't:

I know of no dedicated tripods for it, unless you get the better quality Meade 884, etc. I definitely agree - the original 883 is a *true POS*, with breaking latches, etc.

An alternative (besides the person who responded with the "I mount it to my B&D workbench") is to use the same idea, cut a piece of plywood, and mount it to a good-quality Bogen-type tripod. These are fixed (i.e., no pan-head), and use a 3/8" screw. Affix the plywood disk to the tripod, and then the scope to the plywood. I've done this for my ETX 60 and 70 and it works well. Of course, it does require the purchase of another tripod, but then again, that *was* kinda the idea. On the mounting plate idea, if you aren't handy with tools, there used to be several places on eBay that sold simple, threaded metal disks that can be used in the same manner.

Best wishes, and good luck.

Hugh

Ed,
Meade Clearence is selling 884s for $59 shipping included! This would obviously be your best bet.
Bob

try this
http://cgi.ebay.com/Meade-Model-884-Tripod-for-ETX-07027RE_W0QQitemZ7599525921QQcategoryZ74926QQcmdZViewItem