What's the best source out there for spacers, adapters for various thread configurations, shims and such.
Source for spacers and such
Stellarvue has a decent selection:
https://www.stellarvue.com/imaging-accessories/
https://www.stellarvue.com/imaging-accessories/
I second Stellarvue as well as Astro Physics for my refractors and Edge HD11. For basic image train spacers and shims Agena Astro has a good selection. Your specific vendor for your camera, filter wheel, or rotator will likely have a good selection tailored to your specific equipment. Last but not least is Precise Parts (https://www.preciseparts.com/) when you just cant find what you need anywhere else. They will custom build anything you need.
CS,
Jeff
CS,
Jeff
Helpful
Thanks I'll look those over. I want to put together a kit of basic parts so when I have an idea I can just rummage in the bin and put together what I need instead of waiting a week for a part delivery.
Tony Gondola:
Thanks I'll look those over. I want to put together a kit of basic parts so when I have an idea I can just rummage in the bin and put together what I need instead of waiting a week for a part delivery.
If only they sold these at the local hardware store, eh? I think most of us can relate.
Well written Engaging
lol, in a perfect world….
AliExpress has spacers and adapters of all sizes and colors. And the quality is okay, too.
Tony Gondola:
What's the best source out there for spacers, adapters for various thread configurations, shims and such.
Here is one good source: scopestuff.com.
Precise Parts
John Hayes:
Precise Parts
Yeah- forgot about them. I used them many times for specialty sizes when needed. They are excellent.
I discovered that it's surprisingly easy to 3D-print spacers and adapters, even with very fine threads. While not a good long-term solution, this is good for a quick fix or to check spacing before committing to purchasing the correct part. I second StellarVue as a great source for quality spacers and adapters.
Neil
Neil
Well written Concise
Special adapters I get from where I bought my telescope. From Amazon I got cheap sets of extensions for T2 and M48. And if I need a mm more or less I just print a shim or use the mechanical workshop at work to shorten a spacer.
for standard pieces, like a set of say M54 extension tubes, aliexpress is by far the most economic solution often running at ~15 euro a piece when a similar tube often costs 40+ euro at other sources. Their search engine is pretty "peculiar" at best, so finding what you are looking for is often a bit cumbersome.
Concise
for standard pieces, like a set of say M54 extension tubes, aliexpress is by far the most economic solution often running at ~15 euro a piece when a similar tube often costs 40+ euro at other sources. Their search engine is pretty "peculiar" at best, so finding what you are looking for is often a bit cumbersome.
Yes, I've seen a lot of interesting bits there. How long do deliveries take in general?
Well written Respectful
When [i] [/i]I need a spacer/adapter, I first look to the scope manufactuer, such as Astro Physics or Takahashi. The problen is there spacers/adapters, as nice as they are, are lilimted and expensive. My goto place is Agena Astro. They carry a number of brands, and Blue Fireball is great for a small spacer or adapter. A note about Blue Fireball: the aluminum is softer and threads can bind.
Baader makes good adapters.
If you want a high quality one size solution and done. Precise Parts is greate. However, it will usually run you $100 plus. But that can be justified by a single perfect solutuon. But change anthing in the imaging train, and it more likely will no longer work.
Lynn K.
Baader makes good adapters.
If you want a high quality one size solution and done. Precise Parts is greate. However, it will usually run you $100 plus. But that can be justified by a single perfect solutuon. But change anthing in the imaging train, and it more likely will no longer work.
Lynn K.
Helpful
Chris at Overcast Observatory makes all kinds of spacers and shims.
Well written
Tony: aliexpress typically takes 2-3 weeks (for Europe)
Be careful with cheap adapters! I discovered that some of the cheaper adapters and extensions have the threads cut in a way result in the tube edges are not perfectly parallel with each other, which can result in tilt. I have two 33mm length, 48mm diameter extension tubes: one from Stellarvue and one cheap one. The cheap one produces tilt while the Stellarvue one does not
Helpful Concise
Blue Fireball has a decent parts
CS
Brian
CS
Brian
Be careful with cheap adapters! I discovered that some of the cheaper adapters and extensions have the threads cut in a way result in the tube edges are not perfectly parallel with each other, which can result in tilt. I have two 33mm length, 48mm diameter extension tubes: one from Stellarvue and one cheap one. The cheap one produces tilt while the Stellarvue one does not
Noted, I have seen that as well. Really makes me wish I still had a machine shop where I could easily crank these things out as needed.
EdgeHD 800 -- How long is the threaded tube on the back of the telescope?
Take a look at this Primalucepart: Adapter ESATTO 2" LP for telescopes with SC thread You'll see the threaded central hole goes completely through it. This means this part can screw down onto any tube even if the tube itself is longer than t...
Discusses SC thread adapters and spacers relevant to telescope configuration needs.