I haven't been too lucky with UPS lately
A couple weeks ago a Unitron #142 3" equatorial mount came with the mounting bar (where telescope cradle attaches) snapped in two. The material is some kind of cast aluminum that AFAIK precludes welding. My plan of attack is to use JB-Weld, then reinforce the mounting bar with an aluminum splint. (I have since learned of three other people who had encountered the exact same problem!)
Then yesterday I took delivery of a "red tube" Edmund 6" equatorial. Alas, the finderscope mounting rings were knocked off the tube, each taking with it a piece of about 1"x2" red tube material, some kind of laminated/ply phenolic resin. Structurally I don't think there's a problem, so I'd like to glue the pieces back as unnoticeably as possible. (And I've also heard that the red phenolic tube isn't the hardiest.)
PLEASE recommend adhesives or procedures for either of these repairs!
These are actually my first two GEMs, not counting the Criterion RV-6 Dynascope I had ordered in high school, that was delivered a year later just when I left home for college -- so I never really owned it. Neither the Unitron/Edmund had been in "collectible" condition, but I still hope to repair these vintage scopes and put them to good use!
Your help is appreciated,
-- William Chang (Saratoga, CA)