Howdy folks,

I have an old Meade 6" reflector that's at least 30 years old. During a move a while back, one of the screw/nut fasteners that holds the secondary mirror spider assembly to the tube snapped off (long story). The secondary mirror is now unstable, obviously. Here's a link to an image of the part I'm talking about:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3044/...259a20fd_o.jpg

And here's the scope itself for reference:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/...371fac13_o.jpg

Is there any online supplier for these obscure parts? I tried my closest Meade dealer/service rep (in San Antonio) and they looked at me with a baffled look and suggested I try Home Depot. The Meade website was not much help, either, and my email queries have met with silence. Any suggestions (other than "Home Depot") would be greatly appreciated!

It looks as if Meade either has no institutional memory of the Newtonian reflectors they manufactured 30 years ago or doesn't care.

If I were in that predicament I would go to an old fashioned hardware store where I would be in and out with materials in hand in less time than it would take me to find the nuts and bolts at Home Depot. There is one near me that stays in business despite having two Home Depots within ten minutes driving time.

As it happens I have the necessary tools to make a replacement part from ordinary nuts and bolts. If you are not so equipped, I would recommend visiting the nearest astronomy club and looking for assistance.

Take your part to any hardware store. Buy the closest length bolt. That looks like 1/4-20. Get it out of brass. Put it in a vise. Get a hacksaw and cut the head off. Then cut it down the centerline to make the step. Clean it up with a file. Center punch for a hole. Drill and tap for the tiny screw.

You could make it simpler by not making it stepped and with a tapped screw.
Just cut the head off a bolt, then make a cut down the centerline. Drill a tiny hole and pin it.

__________________
Bill Slugg
Albany, GA

The picture looks like a Park's spider would replace it. They are still available.
http://www.scopecity.com/detail.cfm?ProductID=1323

Rick

He might be able to just drill out the hole in the original part, and retap for a slightly larger tiny screw.