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desertrefugee
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 08/06/07
Posts: 1220
Loc: Arizona
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Now, James. Weren't you complaining a while back about never getting decent opportunities on nice, old classics way up there in your neck of the woods? Heck, you went and skunked all of us - with the possible exception of Mike C.
Congratulations. You will have fun during (and especially after) the restoration.
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"Illimitable ocean, without bound, Without dimension, where length, breadth, and height, And time, and place are lost." - Milton
-Darrell
Reflectors - 76 to 305mm (f4.7 to f9.2)
Refractors - 50 to 120mm (f5 to f16.7)
Binoculars - 6x15 to 22x100
N. Phoenix, AZ
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JamesE
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/22/07
Posts: 1119
Loc: Westbank, BC, Canada
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Quote:
Now, James. Weren't you complaining a while back about never getting decent opportunities on nice, old classics way up there in your neck of the woods? Heck, you went and skunked all of us - with the possible exception of Mike C.
Hi Darrell,
Yeh, that was me.  . I take back all of the complaining and self pitying that I ever did on this forum. I guess, just like star gazing I needed to have perseverance and patience. Please forgive me for I am not worthy 
And as part of my punishment, I vow to continue my search for others here so they to can find rare and unique scopes. And I will not give up until everyone has a scope that is unique or special.
I figure that should take a few years but I think I can do it. 
In sincerity I really think I have been fortunate to come across the scopes I have. It has been amazing so far. I know I will not collect every scope out there but a few select pieces just might do me fine.
NOW eyepieces are another story.........
cheers
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James
(Thanks to Attilla for the Clear Sky charts)
Current Projects : Tasco 15TEA - 3 inch pier mounted planetary scope
Priorities : Wife, Kids
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AaronM
super member
Reged: 02/02/06
Posts: 342
Loc: NRW, Germany
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Fantastic James ! Congratulations to this fine telescope
CS Michael
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mikey cee
Post Laureate
Reged: 01/18/07
Posts: 3531
Loc: bellevue ne.
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James...Here is a link www.lockwatcher.com for electrolysis rust removal. Seems rather easy and straight forward. Most emphatically state that you in no way use SS in the fabrication because of chromium poisons! Good luck.Mike
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7x35 and 10x50 sears tower binocs, 3" f/10 edmunds reflector, 2.4" f/11.7 manon refractor, 6" f/8 jaegers refractor, "The 8 Ball" 8" f/13.3 brandt refractor, 3" f/15.8 sans&streiffe refractor, 3.1" f/15 selsi refractor(towa 339), 2.4" f/15 sears refractor, selsi 30x30mm spyglass, criterion 5-draw 25x45x75x spyglass(1957), 4.25" f/14.8 tasco 20te.
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JamesE
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/22/07
Posts: 1119
Loc: Westbank, BC, Canada
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Thanks Mike. That kicked me in the direction I needed to go.
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James
(Thanks to Attilla for the Clear Sky charts)
Current Projects : Tasco 15TEA - 3 inch pier mounted planetary scope
Priorities : Wife, Kids
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JamesE
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/22/07
Posts: 1119
Loc: Westbank, BC, Canada
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Ok, after a couple of days of soaking with penetrating oil I got the following off with no striping of threads or heads. YEAH...
- Loosened and removed the set screws for the RA (2-3 days constant soaking)
- Loosened the front plate for the RA axis. (1 day soaking)
- Loosened Brass retaining ring for Dec axis housing. That was a bugger. The Aluminum had corroded lots so I had to use oil, then brute force, then oil and wait. Then Repeat. I made the guide holes on the brass ring a bite bigger but not too bad. Took three days with lots of waiting. But she threads smooth now. Here's the after pic.
Got the counter-weight off. That was a 4 day soak with various materials. This Piece is interesting and I think others might agree. The counter weight is held on by a finely machined (brass??) piece that is threaded into the counter weight and secured with 2 set screws. Then the CW bar slides through and a compression fitting is used to lock the weight into place.
When it was rusted shut I was unsure if it was tapped in or threaded in. After about 2 days of soaking I noticed the threading on the inside of the weight. But was unsure how I could apply the force needed to break the rust seal. In the end (cleaver me) I put back the CW bar, locked the compression fitting tight and turned the bar while striking the counterweight with a rubber mallet to loosen the grip. Did this a few times over the day and Viola...the seal broke and the brass piece turned itself out. Whew! No stripping!
A few pics......
Counter weight assembly in pieces....
Bottom of weight where the set screws secure in place.
I just think this is a fine piece of machining.
Well, I am slowly getting a game plan in my head about what I think I would like to do.
As I plan, I am pondering over the pier. The aluminum is painted with a WONDERFUL black velvet-y feel to it. The iron legs looks like it has the same paint but the feel is just not there. SOooooooo......I have to make a decision on weather to strip the pier or leave it as it with all the scratches. Part of my process is the corrosion and rust stains I am sure I will find.
So has anybody found a really nice black velvet feel paint that they have used before?
I won't post pics for the whole proces, just the topics I find interesting . I might do a comparison on the machining differences on the 2 mounts but I will have to see.
Anyways, just a small update. Lots to do. Have to plan.......
Cheers,
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James
(Thanks to Attilla for the Clear Sky charts)
Current Projects : Tasco 15TEA - 3 inch pier mounted planetary scope
Priorities : Wife, Kids
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KazJim
newbie
Reged: 08/30/09
Posts: 1
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Hey James, I just got one of these too !
I've sent you a PM, and will start my own thread soon, but hoping we can help each-other out on this !
you are a fair way ahead of me already, but i'm sure we'll both get there !!
Cheers
James in Oz
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woodsman
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 03/12/08
Posts: 1079
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO
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Hello Kaz-Jim. First of all Welcome to Cloudy Nights. Great to see more newcomers here on the classics thread, as you will find that the regulars here can be extremely knowledgeable. If one adds up the experience of all those folks, there is more than 1 million years of shared experience here in telescopes. Clint Whitman is actually a Caveman. Now, that might sound impressive, but there are certain rules here that you should be aware of. If you have a classic scope like the 15TEA, it is adviseable that if you write about it without posting photos as soon as possible dire consequences may ensue. The lack of photos causes others here to sometimes begin sweating profusely. There have been reports of some on the classic forum having to seek medical attention. It is quite common for some here to begin hyperventilating when the news of another 15TE is reported. Some will even experience hand wringing, along with mild increases in blood pressure. Also it has been reported that a few on this forum have even begun convulsing on the floor, in anticipation of photos. One man even went into full cardiac arrest. Luckily he was able to stick his fingers into a nearby light socket to revive himself.
This is just for your awareness only. Please do not feel pressured in any way to post photos though, I just thought I'd let you know what COULD happen should those photos not show up in the next 10 seconds. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter...  Rich
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artisticwoods
C-14 Orange Tube, C-8, C-5, C-90 Astro Model, C8 Schmidt Camera 8" f1.5, C5.5 Schmidt Camera f1.65, SPI 42mm f/19 Refractor, Sears 90mm f/15.56 Ref, Sears 80mm f/15 Ref, Swift 77mm f/13 Model 831, Scope 60mm f/11.7, Sears 50mm f/12
Unitron Model 140 75mm/1200mm, Unitron model 128 60mm/900mm
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SATMAN
sage
Reged: 12/02/07
Posts: 278
Loc: NJ 39.7 lat., -74.3 long
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CELESTRON/VIXEN C102 GP REFRACTOR
CELESTRON SUPER C8 PLUS
VIXEN 90 CUSTOM REFRACTOR ALTAZ. MOUNT
QUESTAR 3.5 STANDARD POWER GUIDE II ON TRISTAND
CORONADO PST DOUBLE STACKED
BRANDON 94mm f/7 ON VIXEN POLARIS MOUNT
VIXEN PORTA MOUNT, QUARTER HALF HITCH MOUNT
BRANDON EYEPIECE SET (circa 1986) 8,12,16,24,32, 2.4X DAKIN BARLOW
VARIOUS NAGLERS 3-6 ZOOM,7,9,11,13,16,24PANOPTIC
ETHOS 6mm, 10mm
ZEISS 10X40B/GA T*P* BINOCULARS
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JamesE
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/22/07
Posts: 1119
Loc: Westbank, BC, Canada
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Hi James,
Sent you a PM back. Thanks. Looking forward to communicating with you.
Regarding Rich's statements............I would agree that photo's are essential here. Especially of a rare bird like yours.
Though I disagree with Rich's assessment of the reaction of some of CN's members. We are all civilized, cultured individuals here that hold the highest regard for antiquities and would never stoop to such frivolous behavior such as drooling or hyperventilating. Such nonsense.
We may on occasion give a solid 'jolly good' or 'pat on the back' to a fellow CN member. Or maybe once in while we might bark like a dog. But heart attacks....... never.
Sure, one or two of us may check the fine forums here on CN 3-4 times and hour for our daily update, but that doesn't mean we are obsessed or unrefined.
Sure we may get scolded by our significant other for spending way to much money on these things. Sure we may perspire a little when something COOL is up on Ebay for grabs. but.......
WHO CARES if one of us gets a 1960-ish scope for $20. WHO CARES. The Point is we are all here to support each other in this fine endeavor.
Ah who am I kidding.........What Rich Said.
Cheers,
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James
(Thanks to Attilla for the Clear Sky charts)
Current Projects : Tasco 15TEA - 3 inch pier mounted planetary scope
Priorities : Wife, Kids
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donnw
super member
Reged: 08/03/08
Posts: 166
Loc: Maryland
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Oh my - This is the 2nd (maybe 3rd ;-) time I've read this post. I want one! (No I don't - resist!) Yes I do! Oh my...
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Peace & Blessings,
Donn Williams
Member - AAVSO
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Celestron EdgeHD 11 on CGE in SkyShed POD GL5
Meade Lightbridge 12", SN10, LX200 Classic 8", AR5, 314 Brass & ETX125PE
Lunt LS60T/DS, Stellarvue SV102ED, SV80BV, SV80/9D, SV NH2
Cave Astrolla 8", Zeiss Telementor II, Unitron 114, 128, 142
Towa 339, Royal Astro 76/1200, Pentax J80, Borg 100, AT 102-F/11
Goto 105, Various Sears/Tasco/Selsi/Towa 60-80mm's
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AaronM
super member
Reged: 02/02/06
Posts: 342
Loc: NRW, Germany
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Hi James,
please keep us informed about your restoring process !
Kind regards Michael
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JamesE
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/22/07
Posts: 1119
Loc: Westbank, BC, Canada
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Hi Michael,
Will do!
Right now the restore is very slow due to other commitments. As my only free time is in the evenings, I have actually been trying to do more viewing than restoring. And we have had a lot of clear nights over the last month or so. I suspect in winter, I will be a bit more active in the restore end of things.
I have gotten a few things accomplished but nothing really to keep folks informed about.
Don't worry, when I get it going this will be the first place to post.
Thanks
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James
(Thanks to Attilla for the Clear Sky charts)
Current Projects : Tasco 15TEA - 3 inch pier mounted planetary scope
Priorities : Wife, Kids
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AaronM
super member
Reged: 02/02/06
Posts: 342
Loc: NRW, Germany
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Good luck and good views with this fantastic, beauty dream-refractor !
Kind regards Michael
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ukcanuck
Vendor (Skylight Telescopes)
Reged: 11/07/06
Posts: 738
Loc: London, UK
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This is a really cool looking scope James...I look forward to seeing it evolve.
Plane tickets to Vancouver are now booked, so perhaps I'll be able to see it in person...perhaps over a bottle of Great White North brew? 
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AaronM
super member
Reged: 02/02/06
Posts: 342
Loc: NRW, Germany
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..still waiting for new pics... 
Kind regards, Michael
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