6 replies to this topic

[markm75c]

I picked up a hyperstar 4 cutout version of the astrozap, which to me almost doesnt "feel" like aluminum, has felt on the inside and a hard time even getting it flush with the dove tail on the scope top and bottom.

 

The issue is my nexdome shutter module would strike the end of it if it was in a bad position or in the way.  The old dew shield i used was the celestron flex shield which i did cut, its probably 3" shorter measuring to the dove tail to the end of the shield and was always "safe" in the dome.

 

I tried sliding the scope back on the saddle on the cem120 mount, but now its so back heavy i dont have enough weight in the front and feels crazy to buy more heavier weights for my weight holder that hangs (barely in the rear position) in the front, so i've slid the scope mostly back to where i had it for now.  Honestly if i slid it back even further it may clear but then there would be no way to add weight to the front of the scope.  The f7 oag setup is quite heavy and weighs the rear down alot.  

 

I opted for trying the aluminum because i wanted something that was less warped and something i could put a real cap on the end of it when not in use.   The celestron aluminum one was even longer, so i had hoped this wasnt much of an issue since it was shorter.

So im thinking of cutting deeper notches about 2.5 to 3" further

 

So im thinking of cutting deeper notches about 2.5 to 3" further inward, so it sits further back, the alternative is making a straight line about 3" from the end, and maybe using a saw to cut it, but im concerned especially at the end for cutting, that the felt on the inside will fray and lead to constant debris.

 

For just notch extending im thinking these will work:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMGC5SVP

 

For the other end cutting the whole way around, maybe a rotary saw like this:

https://www.amazon.c...duct/B09QXBC6XL

 

 

Anyone done this with this particular model and can comment on the best way to cut, should i opt to keep it?

 

**I suppose if a "cap" could be constructed, id live with the flex shield, however i can never get a perfect circle with it, always warped (not sure if that matters).

 

Thanks in advance

 

Some photos, the one that shows the gap ended up blurry, i need better shots in the day:

Edited by markm75c, 07 August 2024 - 09:43 PM.

[markm75c]

This one shows the felt material

If i would cut it and opt to deepen the two notches, if i were using the tin snips, its easy to see going vertically towards the front and make the cut but its that going back across horizontal that could be tough.


My concern if I opt to just extend the notches is that I won't be able to slide it further down on the scope. That last half inch even feels impossible let alone 3 inches and needing to fit the dew heater strip under it

Edited by markm75c, 07 August 2024 - 10:40 PM.

[luxo II]

If you're worried about cutting the edge of the felt creating a ragged edge, there's a solution to keep it neat:

 

- buy a roll of adhesive-backed felt (hardware store);

- using a very sharp craft knife, cut a strip say 5 cm wide long enough to span the cut section;

- peel and stick the adhesive felt so about 2-3 cm overlaps the ragged edge of your felt, and fold the other half neatly over the edge of the dewcap.

 

You could do this right round the edge of the dewcap to make it look really neat.

 

You could use black cloth tape instead, but while black it's a bit shiny. Both this and the sticky-backed felt stick to felt quite well, as I used this to make neat edges on some of my gear.

Edited by luxo II, 07 August 2024 - 09:46 PM.

[markm75c]

If you're worried about cutting the edge of the felt creating a ragged edge, there's a solution to keep it neat:

- buy a roll of adhesive-backed felt (hardware store);
- using a very sharp craft knife, cut a strip say 5 cm wide long enough to span the cut section;
- peel and stick the adhesive felt so about 2-3 cm overlaps the ragged edge of your felt, and fold the other half neatly over the edge of the dewcap.

You could do this right round the edge of the dewcap to make it look really neat.

You could use black cloth tape instead, but while black it's a bit shiny. Both this and the sticky-backed felt stick to felt quite well, as I used this to make neat edges on some of my gear.

That's a good idea as long as it's not too thick to still fit the cap(assuming I cut that end n not the notches)

Maybe something like this
Mesheshe 2PCS Self Adhesive Felt Sheets, DIY Felt Adhesive Sheet for Art & Crafts, Peel and Stick Felt for Drawer/Jewelry Box Felt Liner, Solid Color Felt Wallpaper (14.6" x 39.4", Black) https://a.co/d/9SqPqxU

[markm75c]

Im a little concerned that 180watt amazon rotary saw might not be good enough to cut the aluminum if i opt to cut the end and not extend the notches, unsure but might need a better option.

Sounds like a carbide tipped (teeth style) blade might be needed and maybe dipped in wax before using, unsure.

Also sounds like the yellow handled snips i linked may work, but not so sure on cutting a whole section off, maybe a simple hack saw?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083HW8KQZ

Edited by markm75c, 08 August 2024 - 04:15 PM.

[maroubra_boy]

That "Amazon" rotary handpiece is plenty to cut the aluminium sheet, it can do the job.

 

Tin snips will work but will make a dogs breakfast of the neatly rolled aluminium.  Same with a hacksaw  - not the right tool for the job.

 

Of the three tools you've listed, the best one would be the first.  Take your time and support the aluminium on something like a 4X2 as the "table", not freehanding it.  Mark the path of the cut with something like masking tape.  WEAR protective eyewear!!!!!!!  A full face mask is even better.  Dust mask won't go astray here either.  The siliconcarbide disks are fragile and break easily, which is why taking your time is the way to go.  Makes for a neater job too.  The cutting strokes will be  pulling the tool towards you, like pealing an apple, short strokes with your thumb on the "apple".

 

Before taking to the final cutting line, I suggest doing a little practice cutting along what will be the off-cut.  This is an out of the ordinary cutting situation, so not the place to wing it on the final piece.  Get familiar with the set up of the cutting rig, how you need to hold and move the tool.  Make your worst mistakes here.

 

I use a cutting tool like this and disks exactly like these in my work everyday.  Very effective but very dangerous for your eyes!  Don't take your personal safety for granted with this tool - it won't forgive, just like an angle grinder.

Edited by maroubra_boy, 08 August 2024 - 05:58 PM.

[markm75c]

I ended up using a combo of the rotary "tiny" saw and then the fine tooth hacksaw in fact, i would have been 8 years using the little saw and they wore down very fast, so i used it to make a short cut line all the way through then hacksawed my way around.  At one point i didnt line up on the other side so its slightly shorter on one edge and had a burr, but i filed it off and should be just fine.

 

Now i need to work through the issue of the whole thing fitting too snug over the celestron screws and mangling the felt on the other end.

 

Edited by markm75c, 10 August 2024 - 10:54 AM.