Assembling a Crayford Telescope Focuser For A Telescope

[@markdavis4754]

Thanks for making this. I have been thinking of having a go at making a Crayford focuser and that's all the info I needed.

[@AstronomyGarage]

Thanks! I just published an even more in-depth video about the Crayford Focuser found here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2TXlYKbgq2Ijc0

[@lordlucan529]

Really useful - I am about to transplant the 10:1 mechanism from a skywatcher focuser into my apparently identical focuser (but with no gearing). Also curious to see you had it tilted - I have been doing the same to make the axis pass right under the mirror mount - I couldn’t think of a way to make the other focuser axis orthogonal to the primary mirror axis. I did wonder if any of this was necessary, as most sources claim there is little benefit for visual use, but the engineer in me can’t help it!

[@AstronomyGarage]

Good luck with the transplant. Admittedly, I don't quite understand what you mean by the focuser tilt?

[@lordlucan529]

@ The set of three push-pull screws on the base that allow you to tilt the axis of the top part. Allows the focuser to point precisely at the middle of the secondary. Anyhow, recipient wasn’t compatible with donor! Although they use the same castings, there are different cutouts machined in the sides to accommodate the larger 10:1 focuser assembly. I guess I will be ordering the Lacerta kit instead!

[@WonderUniverse_]

Hello, thanks for this interesting video! Unfortunately my focuser slips when I put the eyepieces on, it is like there is less friction between the tube and the 2-wheels mechanism. I know that there is a screw that can fix the focuser in a chosen position, but is there a simple way of restoring the initial friction? Maybe by tightening some other screws... Thank you very much. Have a nice day!

[@AstronomyGarage]

On the back of most Crayford focusers there are five set screws shaped like the 5-side on a normal dice cube. The middle one will let you adjust the tension on the roller. It sounds like you need to tighten that one just a little bit (it doesn't take much).

[@WonderUniverse_]

@@AstronomyGarage Thank you very much, it worked! Thank you again and have a nice day! 👋

[@davidcoakley85]

Great Vid!

[@chicofun4779]

Thanks again. Where did you get the O rings? I need to replace mine. Thanks

[@AstronomyGarage]

Here's the Amazon link for those O-rings: amzn.to/3B7WnQV For what it's worth, I have an entire video dedicated to just installing these o-rings: kzbin.info/www/bejne/maSueIZnnqqge5Y

[@chicofun4779]

@@AstronomyGarage thank you very much.

[@chicofun4779]

@@AstronomyGarage I just did the O rings and it looks and feels amazing. I also added a drawer nub replacing one of the small bolt that hold the plastic at the border for a bigger bolt with the same thread, bolt from inside out, nub outside, easy job and no modification at all, you can go back if you want, and the bigger bolt and nub are both use for cabinets i just painted black. Now I don't have to hold it by the border when tracking. I'll try to send you a picture . I bought this xt8 and it was a mess , thanks God the mirrors where great, the primary was really dirty but watching your video and i clean it , you reallyscared me when you droppedyour mirroron your video it was ice wasn'tit., I had to replace most of the rusted bolts for new ones stainless . I also did the tefIon job, but I used the same that came with it, it was ok, I just replaced the rusted nail that was holding it on place and scratching where the tube rest. I paid $150 here in Miami, the base was falling apart. Now it looks and feel great . Thanks for your tips. Best regards ✨️

[@AstronomyGarage]

@@chicofun4779 I'm glad it worked. I'm jealous of your project! The ones that take a lot of reconstruction end up being the most beloved projects. I bought my own XT8 from a house where it was severely damaged in a mud flood. The mirror was okay, but rest was wrecked. Unfortunately, I didn't do KZbin back then so that restoration was lost to the ages.

[@AstronomyGarage]

I forgot to answer the other part of your question. The broken mirror in the cleaning video was indeed a paper plate full of ice with a bunch of pieces of aluminum foil sitting on top. Good catch!