OVL Crayford Focuser base for Skywatcher Maksutov 180mm
If you own a Skywatcher Maksutov 180mm like mine, you will know that the visual back is an unusual diameter of about 66.5mm.
I have an OVL Crayford Focuser which has a base for an SCT visual back. This requires an adapter to fit onto the Mak 180. The options for an adapter are very limited and costs are in the region of £65 - which is very expensive for a simple adapter..
I have designed in Tinkercad a replacement base for the OVL focuser.
Link here to the Tinkercad file… https://www.tinkercad.com/things/bCCiTykt4ua-ovl-crayford-base-for-skywatcher-maksutov-180mm
An added bonus is that the focuser adds less distance to the optical train with this base compared to the overpriced adapter.
Having tried it, the fit is extremely good and tight once screwed into place.
I used black PLA+ and a setting of 0.1mm.
Unscrew the 3 grub screws and the thumb screw from the OVL focuser and fit it onto the newly printed base. I recommend attaching the base to the telescope first then re-attach the focuser to the new base.