General overhaul of an old SkyWatcher 150/750 refractor

Product Description

Problem:
An older SkyWatcher refractor spent a long time unused in a (presumably) woodworking/carpentry/joinery workshop. We completely overhauled the refractor. This involved cleaning the optics, as well as the tube and mechanics.

Solution & Procedure:
In the first step, the telescope was largely disassembled into its components: tube, focuser, diagonal, and lens.

In the second step, the tube was cleaned, removing stubborn residue.

In the third step, the optics were cleaned. This made the heavily clouded diagonal usable again. The lens, contrary to expectations, was also in very good condition beneath the cloudy coating.

Please never clean lenses with commercially available cleaners or cloths; this will cause scratches and damage the coated surface!!!

During the fourth test, the focuser was activated. Here, too, the tough coating and resinous grease had jammed the gears. After thorough cleaning and greasing, the focuser worked perfectly again.

During the fifth test, all components were assembled and adjusted and tuned on our workbench.

Note:
Treat yourself and your telescope with pleasure and please always store your telescope(s) in a dry and smoke-free environment.