: I have an equatorial mount that i would like to make more stable. Does anyone have any ideas on what to do short of buying an expensive one? i.e.- Replacing the bearings or even making a customized mount?

Mark, How long is a piece of string ? What sort of mount have you got ? how big is it ? Is it on a tripod or permanent stand.? How big a 'scope do you want to put on it. It is almost certain that you could make a good equatorial mount for very much less that it would cost to buy one commercially. Thousands of amateurs have made good 'scopes and mounts themselves. There are plenty of books on the subject. Let me know if you want more info. Regards, David (England)