12 replies to this topic

[lbacker]

Good evening,

Orion XT8 plus. I need help finding and purchasing a now missing part, based on the manual, it’s either the Tensioning Knob or the alternate side knob for the right side. Simply, I only have one of these (shown in photo) and unable to locate the other to secure scope. Any ideas where to look or search? Thank you!

 

https://imgur.com/a/nwCY1yJ

[vtornado]

I would take that part into an ACE or True Value hardware store and search their fastener cabnet for a bolt with the same diameter and pitch (It's probably metric maybe an M10).

If they have wing nuts in that size you could add a wing nut to the shaft to make it hand tightenable.   Any other large plastic or wood disk  can be used if you have a drill to drill a hole the correct size.    You can epoxy the disk to the bolt shaft. 

[macdonjh]

https://www.reidsupp...aded-knob-guide

[Jim45157]

try scopestuff they should have what you need 

[PIEJr]

I would take the one you have to Lowe's or Home Depot and look through their drawers of parts.

Find the size and pitch of the threads.

If you find a fit, buy two and save the original for a spare. That way you'll have a match pair on your telescope.

 

Basically the same suggestion vtornado said.

[scotsman328i]

Good evening,

Orion XT8 plus. I need help finding and purchasing a now missing part, based on the manual, it’s either the Tensioning Knob or the alternate side knob for the right side. Simply, I only have one of these (shown in photo) and unable to locate the other to secure scope. Any ideas where to look or search? Thank you!

 

https://imgur.com/a/nwCY1yJ

Yeah man, Orion went mammary glands up last year. You’ll have to create a grip bolt and add a nylon washer to it to recreate the tension adjustment knob on the side. It wouldn’t be hard to do, everyone so far has given some great advice and I’d only echo what they’ve said. Ace Hardware, Lowe’s and Home Depot would have everything you need for a small project like this. 

[vtornado]

Ace and True Value have their fasteners in open bins.  My HD they are all in plastic bags.  You have to rip open the bags to try anything.   Sometimes you have to buy 2,3,4 .. instead of one.

[scotsman328i]

Ace and True Value have their fasteners in open bins.  My HD they are all in plastic bags.  You have to rip open the bags to try anything.   Sometimes you have to buy 2,3,4 .. instead of one.

Haha, you’re right about that. Can’t tell you HOW MANY TIMES I’ve gone down to Lowe’s or HD and opened the drawers looking for bolts, screws or fasteners and see tons of empty plastic bags in the drawer with the contents of the bag strewn throughout the drawer also. 

[Tom Stock]

10mm bolt (need to verify that), nylon washer and a 3d printer and you are good to go

[wavelandscott]

You might try giving High Point Scientific a ring…they bought the remains of Orion and may have some random bits and pieces laying around.  Might be worth a call before heading to the hardware store

[Yerman]

Measure the diameter in millimeters of the threaded part. If you don’t have a vernier gauge just eye ball it with a metric ruler. You can’t go wrong it will be a whole number
Measure the length of the thread including the plastic washer. Go to your hardware store of choose and buy two Allen Head Cap Screws (AHCS) the diameter you measured x the length.
After that if you want to get fancy take appropriately sized plastic wheels from a toy car drill the axel hole slightly smaller than the Allen Head x the depth of the bolt head. Press the head of the bolt into the plastic wheel.

[RTLR 12]

I bought all of these knobs at True Value Hardware. Take your sample with you.

Stan

 

 

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[sevenofnine]

Welcome to C/N! 

 

I have the Orion XT8 Plus. What you have is the tensioning knob. The knob you're looking for is the same length with no washer or locknut. It is important to have the right plastic tube that inserts through the mount and into the scope or the altitude tension can not be adjusted properly. It sticks out of the mount 5mm. The tensioning knob has a shorter plastic tube but it fits flush with the melamine mount. The manual says to be sure to not get them mixed up or the tension system will not work. If you need more information, just send a PM. Good luck!