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Post by Phil on Apr 29, 2014 19:16:34 GMT
Hi all, Today I decided to tighten up the pivot points on my 10" Dobsonian (yes I do have one, even though no one has seen it, you maybe never will!) as the nuts had came loose. To do this I needed to remove the primary mirror! To my horror when I looked at the mirror, it was in really bad shape! Like this: I gave it a wash, but not much improvement! I then noticed, if you hold it up to the light, you can see loads of light coming through it!! Options??? Other than chucking the lot in the bin! Cheers Philip
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Post by Colin A on Apr 29, 2014 20:04:26 GMT
How old is it Phil and what make? Is it worthwhile getting it re-coated? I'd have a crack and polishing it before I'd chuck it out. Don't take my word as gospel though! I'm sure somebody will be on with more useful knowledge than me. Hopefully you can get it sorted.
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Post by stevie on Apr 29, 2014 20:44:55 GMT
Eamon got his 16" Lightbridge re-coated a few months ago.
It might be worth asking him where he got it done, and asking their advice.
I'll text him if you wish.
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Post by Phil on Apr 29, 2014 20:44:49 GMT
That's the thing Colin, probably only at most 5 years old and never used!!!! Haha!!! Kept in the garage at all times, bit dissapointed! It's a ts or revelation rebadged I think made by GSO, bought from a German retailer! Don't think polishing any good as it is the mirror that looks corroded, may look into recoating!
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Post by Phil on Apr 29, 2014 20:46:22 GMT
Yeah Stevie, give him a shout for me, will look into that!
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Post by nemesis on Apr 29, 2014 22:12:36 GMT
Yes, it looks like corrosion, particularly if you can see through some bits of it. It seems that it doesn't take that much to degrade mirrors, especially if they're stored and not used for a while. Mine wasn't even remotely like that, but it was noticeable even after a couple of years not doing much. I had mine done at Galvoptics. They did an excellent job, and they do the secondary mirror and cover the return postage as well for the price. Packaging it and posting it to them was the worst bit, as I was worried in case it got cracked. As my mirror weighed 15kg it was understandable. For your 10", including posting it to them, I reckon it'll come to about £100 for you. Good luck! www.galvoptics.fsnet.co.uk/telescope7.htmEamonn
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Post by Phil on Apr 30, 2014 11:03:52 GMT
Eamonn, welcome back and I hope you are keeping well! Thanks very much for that info, I'll get on to them ASAP! I heard back from the suppliers, they where able to tell me the exact date I bought it, quite impressive! Anyway I bought it in nov 2007 and they said I must not have stored it correctly! Funny how the Meade has been sitting beside it all that time and it's way older than that, come to think of it I must examine it now as well! They have a replacement mirror (new), it works out about £320, so I'll look into the recoating option first! I'll keep you all updated!
Philip
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Post by Phil on Apr 30, 2014 15:33:53 GMT
Galvoptics replied to an email I sent them, I included the above picture. They said they should be able to recoat it and it'll be like new again! Just over £100 and a 2 week turn around, that includes doing the secondary mirror as well! Just have to find a suitable box now to send them in!
Again, I'll update you all on any progress!
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Post by Phil on May 17, 2014 10:24:29 GMT
Finally got round to sending off the mirrors today! I'll let you know what they come back like!
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Post by Phil on Jun 5, 2014 10:49:17 GMT
Arrived back yesterday. Took me ages to get into it, Stevie and I wrapped it well to send to them but I give them 1st prize for wrapping!! Also, can I say sorry for the picture, the mirror is so good it was nearly impossible to get a picture, so what you are seeing is the shed roof! To say i'm well pleased would be an understatement, the state of that bit of glass I sent to them was awful, and there is no and I mean no evidence of anything on what arrived back! Not to bad for £125
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Post by stevie on Jun 5, 2014 17:46:02 GMT
Beautiful job Phil, and as you say, well worth the money.
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Post by Simon on Jun 7, 2014 17:39:48 GMT
That does look like a first class re-coating, just make sure you use the thing and get you're value for money.
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Post by Phil on Jun 8, 2014 21:43:56 GMT
I know, I know!!
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