Frequently Asked Questions This is our general FAQ. If you have a question about using Build-An-Adapter, please see this FAQ

How do I specify the part I need? Do you need detailed connection specifications? When do I get my custom adapter if I order it today? The part I need is difficult to specify using the online tools offered Why is the cost higher than the price of a similar commercial part? Can you make parts in volume? Can I return the part if it doesn't fit? Do you have an extra charge for quick delivery? What is your privacy policy? Q. How do I specify the part I need? A. If the devices to be connected are standard image train components made by leading manufacturers, by far the easiest way to specify and order a custom adapter is to create it online with Build-An-Adapter Q. Do you need technical specifications for the adapter connections? No. Most custom adapters can be created online with Build-An-Adapter without any need for technical specification. If a device is not listed in Build-An-Adapter, just tell us what devices the part is to connect to. This approach is generally much easier and a lot safer than trying to describe the technical specifications. We maintain an extensive knowledge base of specifications on telescopes, cameras and accessories, and we can usually quickly figure out the length, threads, diameters and finish for a part to match particular instruments and accessories. Please be aware that sometimes "too much" information may be detrimental: if a specification is found on commercial products, such as common thread for a Takahashi or an Astro-Physics telescope, we almost certainly already have the detailed specification on file and we need only the instrument type or model number. Detailed thread pitch, diameter, or length information are not required and we DO NOT recommend specifying this information since most manufacturers use proprietary variations. We can only guarantee a good fit if we know what the part connects to. Q. When do I get my custom adapter if I order it today? A. The shortest path from order to delivery is online ordering with Build-An-Adapter. Ordering can be completed in a few clicks, usually taking less than 5 minutes. A part is then shipped within 10 to 12 days of a confirmed order in most circumstances. The exact turnaround time generally depends on our current backlog. Please consult us for special requirements. Q. The part I need is difficult to specify using the online tools offered. A. We know some type of parts cannot be easily specified with Build-An-Adapter alone and we can sometimes accept specifications as a drawing if detailed measurements are supplied although be aware that the final price for such part will be substantially higher than for a part designed with the automated Build-An-Adapter web application. The higher cost is due to the need to create a CNC program from scratch and a custom setup to machine the part. If you have a part on hand and require a replica or a replacement for a damaged original you can send the part to us for evaluation and we will gladly email a quote if the work is within our capacity. Q. Why is the cost higher than the price of a similar commercial part? A. The cost of a one-of-a-kind, custom made part will always be substantially higher than a part manufactured in volume since the later is generally fabricated through an automated, less labor-intensive process. Clearly if a standard part can be purchased off-the-shelf, this will almost certainly be the least expensive alternative, but if no such part exists the most cost effective option is designing and ordering the part online with Build-An-Adapter. Q. Can you make parts in volume? A. PreciseParts specialty is making one-of-a-kind components essentially one at a time. This is where we believe we can best serve the amateur astronomy community. Although we can generally make two or three units for a reasonable price, we would recommend contacting a production machine shop to make parts in higher volume at an optimum cost. We also perform part prototyping to test design iterations. The availability of a prototype can substantially facilitate later dealing with a production machine shop. Q. Can I return the part if it doesn't fit? A. If the part was created with Build-An-Adapter and does not fit the device specified, we will rework it (or at our option replace it) at no charge. If the part does fit but is otherwise unsuitable for reasons beyond our control, the part can be sent back to us and we can alter it at a previously agreed price if the part doesn't need to be re-made. If the part would need to be re-made, a new part should be ordered. And, adding some legalese: our responsibility is limited to altering or exchanging a part. We cannot be held responsible for any consequential damage resulting from using a part we made. Q. Do you have an extra charge for quick delivery? A. No. We will do our best to prioritize your part to accomodate an emergency and we can also ship the part overnight if required. Contact us with your special requirements. Q. What is your privacy policy? A. We DO NOT share any of your personal information, including email address, mailing address, phone numbers, browsing history, and order record, with any other party unless you explicitly authorize us to do so. If you use a credit card to pay for an order, the credit card number and associated information is only available to PayPal and is not communicated to us. We will never ask for your credit card information over the phone or via email. We do not add any advertising or social networks links or buttons, such as Facebook "Like", or Tweet, to any of our web pages to prevent possible tracking of your browsing information by third parties.