3 replies to this topic

[Mattman944]

I have a Celestron Tripod for a C8, circa 1985. One of the plastic pieces at the leg joint is broken. It is marginally usable if the legs are fully extended, but the repaired leg is slightly wobbly. I added a hose clamp to keep the lower leg extended. Unfortunately, although I am tall, the telescope is too high in this position.

 

Fragments from the broken plastic are stuck at the interface, the lower leg doesn't slide freely as it should.

 

I am pretty good mechanically, but even if I could find a replacement part, I can't figure out how this section is assembled. There is a trick that I haven't figured out.

 

A friend had a similar issue with his newer tripod. He had the lower legs welded into a fixed height. My driveway is not level, so this is not a good option for me. Besides, the plastic piece makes my fix more difficult.

 

Any ideas?

 

I am about ready to give up and buy a new tripod. My next post will be about wedge hole patterns.

 

Thanks.

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[ShaulaB]

Why not just weld the broken tripod leg? That leaves the other two for leveling.

[CHASLX200]

They were known for that problem.

[RichA]

I have a Celestron Tripod for a C8, circa 1985. One of the plastic pieces at the leg joint is broken. It is marginally usable if the legs are fully extended, but the repaired leg is slightly wobbly. I added a hose clamp to keep the lower leg extended. Unfortunately, although I am tall, the telescope is too high in this position.

 

Fragments from the broken plastic are stuck at the interface, the lower leg doesn't slide freely as it should.

 

I am pretty good mechanically, but even if I could find a replacement part, I can't figure out how this section is assembled. There is a trick that I haven't figured out.

 

A friend had a similar issue with his newer tripod. He had the lower legs welded into a fixed height. My driveway is not level, so this is not a good option for me. Besides, the plastic piece makes my fix more difficult.

 

Any ideas?

 

I am about ready to give up and buy a new tripod. My next post will be about wedge hole patterns.

 

Thanks.

Yes, this is where Celestron went completely wrong.  Horrible tripods.  I've seen shifted plastic liner, seized leg joints, broken clamps, cracked tops.  Some people I knew bought Meade tripods instead. 

If it were me, I'd get rid of the clamp.  Cut 4 slits in the main leg end with a hacksaw or dremel and put some kind of round clamp on the exterior that could cinch around it and tighten it on the the lower leg joint.  In addition, I'd add felt or some kind of wrap to the top of the lower leg joint to insert into the leg joint to take up any wobble that might occur in the upper part of the lower leg joint.