Zamfir:
Well, I’ve got a new Celestron on order, so my old one is a candidate for experimentation. As a result of my technique, where I slide the ‘scope along the edge, looking for imperfections, I’ve created a pair of grooves in the clear acrylic shroud. They actually help to position the camera, but the acrylic doesn’t particularly get along well with a toothy edge and sliding can be difficult at times. Today, I made a ring out of teflon tape and pressed it onto the face of the shroud. Huge improvement. It slides like deer guts on a doorknob and for sure I’ll be adding one to the new ‘scope when it gets here next week. Also, if and when the ring wears out, it’s easily replaceable.
The teflon tape is fairly expensive. I bought a roll from Amazon (supplied by Peachtree) which is 3″ wide and 0.015″ thick. A 48″ roll costs $7 plus $6 shipping. I ordered it when I had enough to qualify for free shipping. I could send you a small patch, enough to make a couple of rings if you want to try it. It doesn’t need to be pretty. In fact, if you make the opening rather samll, it’ll help to keep dirt out. I originally bought the tape to line the fence on my router table. Works great, lasts forever.
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