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Restoration in progress - 1958 Lafayette refractor

Started by JakeJ , Jun 28 2005 05:33 PM

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33 replies to this topic

#26 $Restoration in progress - 1958 Lafayette refractor: post #26$ JayKSC

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Posts: 2,093
Joined: 01 Jan 2005

Posted 19 December 2005 - 10:42 AM

Jay,

Would I be correct in assuming by your post that you have aquired this scope from Jake?

If so, then in the words of Napoleon Dynamite..."Lucky!"

Keith

Thanks, Keith. I consider it luck too - I had set aside some money for either a flip-mirror or powermate, but when I saw Jake's vintage refractor in the "Shop & Swap" forum - it was love at first sight.

- Jay
KSC FL

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#27 $Restoration in progress - 1958 Lafayette refractor: post #27$ JakeJ

Mercury-Atlas

topic starter

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Joined: 31 Aug 2004

Posted 19 December 2005 - 11:57 AM

Hi Jake:

I'm glad I found this thread, and can see your reports on all of the hard work done to restore this fantastic classic refractor. Please know that your efforts are very appreciated: I'll definitely treasure this refractor, and will make good use of it both as a respected antique and a capable instrument.

I'll share observing reports from time to time, and sketches, too. I can't wait to plumb the heavens with this vintage refractor. What a treasure - thank you for your skillful restoration.

- Jay
KSC FL

Hi Jay -

Seeing this scope going back into service makes it all worth it to me.

I am sure you will enjoy it, and look forward to your observing reports. The scope does quite well on the planets and moon - I have viewed the Cassini division clearly on Saturn with it at 160x. You might want to get a hybrid diagonal - using modern eyepieces really allows the objective to shine.

-Jake

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#28 $Restoration in progress - 1958 Lafayette refractor: post #28$ Remy Bosio

Uber Curmudgeon

Posts: 16,867
Joined: 02 Mar 2004

Posted 19 December 2005 - 02:04 PM

That is one beautiful restoration!

Lucky Jay!

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#29 $Restoration in progress - 1958 Lafayette refractor: post #29$ JayKSC

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Posts: 2,093
Joined: 01 Jan 2005

Posted 19 December 2005 - 02:07 PM

Thanks for the note, Jake - I do plan on picking up a hybrid diagonal.

I look forward to lunar observing with the scope; I've been a deep sky aficionado since I began the hobby, and have altogether neglected the moon! I ordered some lunar books and atlases earlier this month, so am eager to enjoy our nearest neighbor. Then, my old interest will hold too - I plan on turning the 60mm lenses towards some deep sky targets (I'm one of those refractor lovers who likes to see how deep I can go with the minimum amount of aperture -

).

Thank you again for your work on this classic refractor. It's great to see it looking like new.

- Jay
KSC FL

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#30 $Restoration in progress - 1958 Lafayette refractor: post #30$ Vesper818

Astronomess

Posts: 15,038
Joined: 21 Nov 2005

Posted 19 December 2005 - 04:19 PM

What a wonderful restoration job! My son's old Sears Orbit scope,60mm, f10, sits up in the closet awaiting restoration.
Your project will serve as an inspiration and model!
Thank you for posting your work. I'm glad it will be seeing dark skies again...Nothing sadder than a "collection" of scopes that no one uses!

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#31 $Restoration in progress - 1958 Lafayette refractor: post #31$ matt

Vendor (Scopemania)

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Joined: 28 Jul 2003

Posted 20 December 2005 - 03:21 AM

The pictures, especially their lighting, are beautiful by themselves!

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#32 $Restoration in progress - 1958 Lafayette refractor: post #32$ Joe Bergeron

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Joined: 10 Nov 2003

Posted 22 December 2005 - 12:57 AM

Box next to scope for scale.

Not only is that an appealing scope, but this is a very beautiful photograph of a telescope. It could be the basis of a painting, if paintings of telescopes were popular.

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#33 $Restoration in progress - 1958 Lafayette refractor: post #33$ Bonco

Skylab

Posts: 4,008
Joined: 17 Apr 2006

Posted 03 December 2006 - 08:23 PM

Jake,
Just went through your posted pics of your restoration. Fantastic !! My recently acquired Lafayette is identical to yours and I hope you can give me some tips.
My chrome is in outstanding condition and I don't think I need to do anything but clean and polish. The black crinckle has some blemishes and I'd like to touch that up and need your suggestions. Also I want to sand and refinish the wood legs and triangular eyepiece holder. Sure would appreciate some tips there. Thanks in advance and I'm in awe of your beautiful restoration.
Bonco