The Problems: This pier is much too high! The eyepiece position when observing near the zenith is too tall for my (5' 8") frame. The inability to rotate the tube easily means that this problem is all the worse; in some observing positions the eyepiece is situated above the tube where the telescope must be leaned over to be used. This is uncomfortable and probably unsafe.
The Cost: Six nuts and washers, $2.00. One can of Rust-Oleum black spray paint, $3.00.
What To Do
Step One: Disassembly: Take the EQ head and the pier legs off the pier itself.
Step Two: The Cut: Using a hacksaw, cut six inches or so (measure to be sure both the bottom of your tube and the counterweight and dec axis will clear the pier legs) of material off the steel pier tube. Be sure to cut off the end that mates to the EQ head; otherwise you will have to drill an additional number of holes for the pier legs.
Step Three: The Holes: Using a drill, drill three holes for the bolts that hold the EQ head to the pier. Measure carefully, this is a step you don't want to mess up.
Step Four: Your Rusty Telescope: Look at the inside of your pier tube using a good light. See all that rust? Even in the dry Arizona climate, my peir tube developed rust inside in a matter of months. Get that out of there with steel wool, and using flat or matte black Rust-Oleum brand spray, paint the inside of the pier as well as the bare metal around the cuts and holes you made. Allow to dry.
Step Five: New Hardware: Go to the hardware store and get six nuts and six washers to fit the pier leg lug bolts. Put the thumbscrews that came with the telescope in your junk collection, they might come in handy later. Using a socket wrench, re-attach the pier legs to the pier using this new, more sturdy hardware.
Step Six: Re-assembly: Re-attach the EQ head to the pier.
Realistic Expectations at this Point: You will no longer need a stepladder to get to the eyepiece when the telescope is in those peculiar positions. Because you have lowered the center of gravity of the scope is now six inches lower, the mount should be more stable, less springy, and quicker to damp. You will have averted the rust-monster that would eventually have ruined your pier. Because of the new hardware that allows a much stronger connection of the pier legs to the pier, the flexure and wobble at these points is greatly reduced.
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