Broken aluminum ring on Celestron stereo microscope

Hi

First, I am very sorry this happened, but these sorts of things do happen, no matter how hard we try to avoid accidents.

One of the problems associated with this sort of product that is sourced and labeled for a manufacturer from China is, as you have noticed, availability of parts and service. I've been in a similar situation, in fact, with such a [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/microscopes.html]microscope[/link] and it can be frustrating. What I would recommend as a better option, in your case, would be to visit a local machine shop to see about having that ring welded. Aluminum can be welded, but it takes someone who knows what they are doing to get it right. Even if the ring cannot be welded, a machine shop could probably fabricate a ring for you. In the end, this would most likely be the quickest way to get your scope repaired. The odds of anyone having that specific replacement part are astronomical, even a place that repairs [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/microscopes.html]microscopes[/link] and I know of no one that does that. Best of luck.

My son bought me a [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/celestron-brand.html]Celestron[/link] Model 44202 in January 2010 from OpticsPlanet. The other day, I accidently tipped it over. The thick aluminum ring which holds the eyepiece, head, and lens housing broke! It didn't detach from the pillar (that appears welded); the ring itself broke. It did not seem that the blow should have been enough to do this damage, but [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/celestron-brand.html]Celestron[/link] says that it is not covered under their warranty. It seems like a design flaw or poor workmanship to me. The [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/microscopes.html]microscope[/link] is different from what is pictured in the manual -- the light is housed in a metal box attached under the arm. Could this add too much weight to the ring? Have others had this problem?
More important, the company does not sell parts. I'm told that I must go through a procedure lasting months which may or may not end in my [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/microscopes.html]microscope[/link] being repaired. No price estimates will be given in advance. All in all, it seems like a system designed to discourage anyone from sending in equipment whether under warranty or not. We tried rejoining the aluminum section with devcon plastic steel epoxy, but it came apart when the head, etc. were reattached. Thus, I need to know if there are places in the Seattle area which may be able to do such repairs or supply after market parts. Is there a source for parts from used equipment? I was thrilled to get this [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/microscopes.html]stereo microscope[/link] and feel very bad that it is broken.