6 replies to this topic

[Baldacchino]

My xt10 is missing a collimating knob. I cannot find a replacement and it appears Orion doesn’t have it in stock either. I know the thread size but it’s such a unique fit.

I’m order to find a knob that fits it would help if I extended the screw that the knob went on. So I removed the lower assembly, removed the mirror, and now the 3 screws seemed to be loctite secured to the cell. Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do? I’m open to ideas for knobs too or suggestion to any part of my process. I’m new and trying to fumbling around here.


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[Jon Isaacs]

You only need two of the three collimation screws to align the primary mirror.  I recommend picking one of the three and never touching it.  That way the mirror stays in the same place in the tube. If you use all three, then you can "walk the mirror" up and down the tube.  

 

Jon

[Tangent]

 So I removed the lower assembly, removed the mirror, and now the 3 screws seemed to be loctite secured to the cell. Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do?

Yes, they use red thread locker on those screws because they can impinge on the mirror if they get loose.  To remove red thread locker you need to heat it up to 500F; I used a propane torch (carefully) but one of those small butane torches should also work. 
 

[MellonLake]

Yes, they use red thread locker on those screws because they can impinge on the mirror if they get loose.  To remove red thread locker you need to heat it up to 500F; I used a propane torch (carefully) but one of those small butane torches should also work. 
 

TAKE THE MIRROR OUT FIRST

[MellonLake]

Also, Bob's Knobs may have a replacement.... http://www.bobsknobs.com/

[Baldacchino]

Success. I removed the mirror. The screws required a PH3 Phillips screwdriver. I used an impact wrench on a higher setting and it came off quite easily. Thank you for the help!


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[briansalomon1]

Yes, they use red thread locker on those screws because they can impinge on the mirror if they get loose.  To remove red thread locker you need to heat it up to 500F; I used a propane torch (carefully) but one of those small butane torches should also work. 
 

I've been using the Loctite 262 (permanent threadlock) for awhile. I've found that it sometimes isn't as permanent as the advertising suggests. Even when both parts are squeaky clean when it's applied and the parts are allowed to set up overnight, they can sometimes be disassembled using mechanical force alone.

 

Applying and reapplying acetone for 10 minutes or so will also weaken the bond.

 

Glad to hear you were able to remove the fasteners.