32 replies to this topic

[pbealo]

I may find it necessary to ship a large classic refractor cross-county. The OTA in case is ~ 8X8X65" long. OTA alone is 6.5diameterX62" long.

 

1) Where might I find an appropriate HEAVY DUTY box?

 

2) And who would you trust with an AP 152 f9 Starfire??

 

Peter B.

 

[Couder]

I have shipped several antique refractors, some larger than yours. I have bought several, too. One of the ones I bought the guy simply put the whole thing, scope and mount and tripod legs in a box. Need I say more?

 

The best way I found to ship is to build a wood crate. I wrapped the scope in 2 layers of mattress foam (about 2" thick, so total of 4" of foam) and put in the crate. I take the lens in the cell out and wrap it the same way, in another wood crate. I put cardboard on both sides of the cell so nothing can touch the lens, then tape it on with painters tape so it doesn't leave a residue. Everybody has horror stories about shippers, I do too. But once you get it packed, then check on shippers. It will be too big for some. And, most important, take pictures as you wrap and pack. If you do have a problem, pictures will help defend your case. If you can't build a box, find a woodworker. He can use plywood (I used 1/2" thick for the small scopes and I used 3/4" thick for the big ones.) with 2" x 2" braces in corners and all along the long side.

[Keith Rivich]

I think I would drive it myself. Do a one way rental and fly back. 

 

Otherwise a good carpenter should be able to build you a sturdy box for shipping. When we got our 11" f/15 refractor at the George Observatory it came in a well made wooden crate. Heavy as all get out. But it arrived safely!

[CHASLX200]

I may find it necessary to ship a large classic refractor cross-county. The OTA in case is ~ 8X8X65" long. OTA alone is 6.5diameterX62" long.

 

1) Where might I find an appropriate HEAVY DUTY box?

 

2) And who would you trust with an AP 152 f9 Starfire??

 

Peter B.

Way more brave than i am.

[williamc]

Hi Peter,

 

A few years back I shipped a 6" f/9 Starfire across country from Washington state. I used FedEx and it arrived safely. I first put some packing material in the telescope case to make sure the scope was secure in the case, then took it to FedEx. A very helpful employee there found several boxes that were cut and combined to make a larger box (don't remember the exact details), and then the scope case was packed very securely in that box. It was a bit nerve-wracking to do, but I was informed by the recipient that it arrived safe and sound.

 

I had to remind myself that the scope was originally shipped to me from back East to California where I lived at the time in its case, double-boxed, without as much packing as I used, and it arrived without incident. 

 

William

[Keith Rivich]

Call Astrophysics and see what they recommend. 

[Jethro7]

I may find it necessary to ship a large classic refractor cross-county. The OTA in case is ~ 8X8X65" long. OTA alone is 6.5diameterX62" long.

 

1) Where might I find an appropriate HEAVY DUTY box?

 

2) And who would you trust with an AP 152 f9 Starfire??

 

Peter B.

Hello Peter,

I generally use  the UPS store for shipping. I help the clerks to pack my stuff making sure the scopes or what ever are well packaged, double boxed with plenty of layers of bubble wrap and or foam. By using the Official UPS Store, if anything happens to the item, collecting the insurance policy is easy. If you self box and ship an item, damage is not covered ( Read the insurance agreement fine print) so you have to hope that the item just gets lost. With that being said, last week I shipped a set of large premium Dob mirrors to Ryan at New Moon Telescopes, half way across the country and  UPS delivered the mirrors safe and sound in three days.

 

HAPPY SKIES AND KEEP LOOKING UP Jethro

Edited by Jethro7, 14 February 2025 - 07:17 PM.

[Cavs56]

I make my boxes from heavy cardboard used to ship furniture. I reinforce the corners edges. Then on the inside I put at least 2 inches of styrofoam and encase it so it can’t move or shift. I haven’t shipped that many maybe three or four but they arrived fine. One was a Celestron C-r6.

[Keith Rivich]

Hello Peter,

I generally use  the UPS store for shipping. I help the clerks to pack my stuff making sure the scopes or what ever are well packaged, double boxed with plenty of layers of bubble wrap and or foam. By using the Official UPS Store, if anything happens to the item, collecting the insurance policy is easy. If you self box and ship an item, damage is not covered ( Read the insurance agreement fine print) so you have to hope that the item just gets lost. With that being said, last week I shipped a set of large premium Dob mirrors to Ryan at New Moon Telescopes, half way across the country and  UPS delivered the mirrors safe and sound in three days.

 

HAPPY SKIES AND KEEP LOOKING UP Jethro

Be very careful with insurance. If you insure through UPS the insurance may not be honored going through a UPS Franchise store. I learned this when shipping my 18" for coating. I read the fine print and it said matter of fact that the package had to either go to a UPS service center or be given to a UPS driver. Any other means may not be covered, including a UPS store. 

 

From what I understand each UPS store can opt in to the UPS insurance umbrella for a fee. Not all participate. 

[Jethro7]

Be very careful with insurance. If you insure through UPS the insurance may not be honored going through a UPS Franchise store. I learned this when shipping my 18" for coating. I read the fine print and it said matter of fact that the package had to either go to a UPS service center or be given to a UPS driver. Any other means may not be covered, including a UPS store. 

 

From what I understand each UPS store can opt in to the UPS insurance umbrella for a fee. Not all participate. 

Hello Keith,

Good to know that, my Local UPS Store does opt into the UPS insurance umbrella. 

 

HAPPY SKIES AND KEEP LOOKING UP Jethro

[ccwemyss]

Hi Peter,

 

I used these people in Westfield to create a box for shipping my C14 OTA to Celestron: https://www.thepackagestore.net

 

They did a very professional job with special materials I hadn't seen in the usual sources. It wasn't cheap, but I thought it was worth it. They do antiques, artwork, bikes, etc. A little bit of a drive for you, but not bad. You can give them a call and see what they think. 

 

Chip W. 

[The Ardent]

Remove the lens cell and focuser and ship these separately from the tube.

[jimeh]

I'm a cabinetmaker and I've shipped quite a few refractors. Since it's already well protected inside it's carrying case, I would build a simple glued and screwed 1/2" plywood box with an inside dimension exactly 2" bigger on each dimension. You'll be able to surround the case on all sides with 1" rigid foam insulation and have a snug fit. Snug is important. It's $100 in materials, but worth it.

[jimeh]

Remove the lens cell and focuser and ship these separately from the tube.

I respectfully disagree. I think that just triples the chance of damage. I would much rather ship it once and spend that money making it bulletproof

Edited by jimeh, 15 February 2025 - 01:06 AM.

[The Ardent]

The lens cell is better protected in a cubic double walled box , from dropped or crushed trauma. The box would be 3x the dimensions of the inner box holding the cell. Boxes of this size are easily found.

The long box can be dropped on its end, stood on its end or slide and have the end take the hit. The lens would not be protected by a container 3x its dimensions.

[havasman]

I may find it necessary to ship a large classic refractor cross-county. The OTA in case is ~ 8X8X65" long. OTA alone is 6.5diameterX62" long.

 

1) Where might I find an appropriate HEAVY DUTY box?

 

2) And who would you trust with an AP 152 f9 Starfire??

 

Peter B.

1 - IDK

2 - Chris McDougal, and bring your checkbook

[CHASLX200]

Best not to ship at all. I do fine selling stuff and buying stuff without the shipping worry murry. Been years since i shipped anything.

[pbealo]

Call Astrophysics and see what they recommend. 

I emailed them and await a response. I also spoke with Yuri at TEC, he recommended making a wood crate, that's how he ships large OTAs.

[Keith Rivich]

I emailed them and await a response. I also spoke with Yuri at TEC, he recommended making a wood crate, that's how he ships large OTAs.

I do a lot of shipping for my business (I use UPS Campus Ship) and see very little to no damage when the object is packaged properly. By this I mean it can't move around. If I box something delicate I give the box a shake, if I feel it moving I fix it until there is no rattling inside the box. Its all the jostling around during transit that does the damage. 

[Terra Nova]

Find a dumpster behind a Home Emporium, Builders Supply, Builder’s Surplus, etc. They usually have all sizes and thicknesses of styrofoam to suit your needs. Sometimes boxes too for things like water heaters and floor lamps. Otherwise, for boxes, go to Home Depot or Lowes and go to the shipping supplies isle. Get the heavy duty shipping boxes. Be sure to get HD and not regular. You can also get bubble wrap there. Three boxes will make one long box. Shipping isn’t impossible, it’s just expensive, and most importantly, you need the right materials. Bubble wrap around everything in the case. The case sheathed in thick styrofoam in the box. If you are paranoid, you can double box. Time, patience, and materials + MONEY is all that’s required. I’ve shipped LOTS of stuff, including telescopes. Most CONUS but also international to both Europe and Asia. Don’t listen to Chas. You can do it!

[Kitfox]

Palletized and shipped LTL freight in a simple wooden crate.  Just like you did my mount and pier.   A pallet can be picked to more than match the length.  
 

The drop issues with package carriers goes away, and is now primarily limited to errant forks 

Edited by Kitfox, 15 February 2025 - 01:37 PM.

[YourNotSirius]

Pete:

 

Howdy neighbor!

 

Several members of the NHAS have experience with this issue. Reach out to them. Ed Ting is especially experienced with shipping as well as a few others. I seem to remember an issue with a Meade 178ED that made many trips back to the factory. We live in the Walpole area which is a bit of a distance from you, I believe. However, if you need help, the old man and I are willing if any of the club members cannot.

 

FWIW

 

Q

[pbealo]

Pete:

 

Howdy neighbor!

 

Several members of the NHAS have experience with this issue. Reach out to them. Ed Ting is especially experienced with shipping as well as a few others. I seem to remember an issue with a Meade 178ED that made many trips back to the factory. We live in the Walpole area which is a bit of a distance from you, I believe. However, if you need help, the old man and I are willing if any of the club members cannot.

 

FWIW

 

Q

Thanks for reaching out! I can see how Ed would know this! What scope HASN'T he shipped???

 

Peter

[pbealo]

Find a dumpster behind a Home Emporium, Builders Supply, Builder’s Surplus, etc. They usually have all sizes and thicknesses of styrofoam to suit your needs. Sometimes boxes too for things like water heaters and floor lamps. Otherwise, for boxes, go to Home Depot or Lowes and go to the shipping supplies isle. Get the heavy duty shipping boxes. Be sure to get HD and not regular. You can also get bubble wrap there. Three boxes will make one long box. Shipping isn’t impossible, it’s just expensive, and most importantly, you need the right materials. Bubble wrap around everything in the case. The case sheathed in thick styrofoam in the box. If you are paranoid, you can double box. Time, patience, and materials + MONEY is all that’s required. I’ve shipped LOTS of stuff, including telescopes. Most CONUS but also international to both Europe and Asia. Don’t listen to Chas. You can do it!

I didn't picture you as a dumpster diver!!!

Peter

[pbealo]

Palletized and shipped LTL freight in a simple wooden crate.  Just like you did my mount and pier.   A pallet can be picked to more than match the length.  
 

The drop issues with package carriers goes away, and is now primarily limited to errant forks 

Why didn't you fly up for the mount?? And did it arrive safe and sound yet??