since it has been raining cats and dogs the past few days, i couldn't go out flying or observing. i decided to beautify my nexstar 4 somewhat. it originally came with a grey paint finish that wasn't cosmetically perfect. i went down to some hobby shops and bought a sheet of carbon fibre laminate. took about 1-2 hours to complete the job.
here's the total breakdown of the cost
carbon fibre sheet, 1 piece $15
cyanoacrylate glue 1 big bottle, $6
black finishing tape from daiso, $2
acetone, free, from mother's nail polish remover.
total is $23, the smile on my face now, priceless.
i'm really very happy with how it turned out. the finish is beautiful!
i'll let the pics speak for themselves.
Decorating my telescope!
Decorating my telescope!
- Attachments
-
- DSCF0721.JPG (54.63 KiB) Viewed 4834 times
-
- DSCF0719-1.JPG (54.64 KiB) Viewed 4835 times
-
Canopus Lim
- Posts: 1144
- Joined: Fri Jun 03, 2005 12:46 pm
- Location: Macpherson
Is there any practical purpose for the carbon fiber sheet?
Looks good! But I won't let the acetone go near my optics... heh
Also, please check the cool-down time, as a double-layered tube + carbon fiber acts as a very good insulator! Normally, in our climate cool-down time is not an issue, but I'm not sure if this enhanced insulation may exacerbate it.
Cheers!
Also, please check the cool-down time, as a double-layered tube + carbon fiber acts as a very good insulator! Normally, in our climate cool-down time is not an issue, but I'm not sure if this enhanced insulation may exacerbate it.
Cheers!
[80% Steve, 20% Alfred] ------- Probability of Clear Skies = (Age of newest equipment in days) / [(Number of observers) * (Total Aperture of all telescopes present in mm)]
cyanoacrylate glue is more commonly known as super glue or elephant glue. i used hobby grade glues as they are thicker and bond better. the carbon sheets were bought from singapore hobby supplies, a r/c plane and helicopter supplier at fook hai building, chinatown. the sheets were $15 each, although i think the price has risen considerably due to the global shortage of carbon fibre because of boeing and airbus