Replacement focuser

Started by lannyharwell, 07/08/2008 01:52PM
Posted 07/08/2008 01:52PM Opening Post
Hello to all,
I have an Orion 80mm Short Tube used exclusivly for guiding. I am looking to replace the focuser. It has way too much freeplay. Even when it is locked down.
I was wondering if anyone has the same scope and has replaced their focuser? If so, what brand and where was it purchased?
I have seen the William Optics focuser for Synta made telescopes(Celestron, Orion etc...)but it appears from the web site that it will be too big to fit properly on the tube. I was going by the measurements provided by the WO website.
Any advice or suggestions is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Lanny Harwell
Posted 07/08/2008 06:19PM #1
Lanny:

If you haven't disassembled the focuser, cleaned off the glue/grease and then reassembled it with light grease and proper adjustment, I believe that is worth a try.

The trick is to adjust the "gibs" before installing the rack and pinion. The gibs are two small allen screws hidden on either side of the focus lock, they adjust the preload on the drawtube. If you adjust them before installing the pinion gear, you can make them drawtube tight and free from rock and still be smooth.

Jon