Dobsonian mount - azimuth bearing question

For the most part, the bearings are smooth. But, when using higher
powers and tracking an object overhead, the azimuth bearing seems
slightly jerky. It's smooth while you are slewing, but, if all you want
to do is just nudge it a tad, you must first overcome the friction
between the nylon (or Teflon, not sure what it is) pads and the black
Formica underside of the upper platform mount.

I called Orion a few minutes ago to ask if there is an approved
lubricant (either wet or dry) that could be used on the Formica
surface. I was asked to kindly call back in an hour when the "techie"
comes back. I suspect when I talk to the "techie" that he will
recommend graphite, Vaseline, or some type of silicon product.

Any suggestions while I wait to speak to "techie?"

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Dobsonian mount - azimuth bearing question
    ... > powers and tracking an object overhead, the azimuth bearing seems ... It's smooth while you are slewing, but, if all you want ... > Formica underside of the upper platform mount. ... I was asked to kindly call back in an hour when the "techie" ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: Dobsonian mount - azimuth bearing question
    ... > powers and tracking an object overhead, the azimuth bearing seems ... It's smooth while you are slewing, but, if all you want ... I was asked to kindly call back in an hour when the "techie" ... > recommend graphite, Vaseline, or some type of silicon product. ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: Dobsonian mount - azimuth bearing question
    ... >For the most part, the bearings are smooth. ... It's smooth while you are slewing, but, if all you want ... I was asked to kindly call back in an hour when the "techie" ... smooth rotation with essentially zero stiction. ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
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