Meade ETX-90 Extended 30mm Finder Scope Arm

One of the frequent complaints about the Meade ETX series is that the finder scopes are virtually impossible to use because of how close the standard mount is to the eyepiece and the barrel of the scope.  This mount fixes that by replacing the standard finder scope mounting tube.  It works with the stock Meade 8x21 finder or any other finder with a 30mm diameter.

The model also requires: six 15mm M3 machine screws (longer is OK, and a bit shorter is OK, too) and six matching nuts for the finder scope attachment  You should be able to re-use the screw that the current finder tube assembly is attached with.

To print, choose your filament.  I used PETG for a bit more temperature resistance, but PLA and PLA+ would both be fine unless you routinely use or store your rig in hot locations.  ABS and other filaments will work fine, too – this isn't a filament-sensitive model.  15% infill is sufficient, though more won't hurt.  No supports are required; orient the flat face down on the print bed.

Assembly is pretty simple.  

1. Slide a nut into one of the three channels ringing the tube holder until it lines up with one of the six holes.  
2. Run an M3 screw through the nut until it just barely sticks out inside the tube holder.  
3. Repeat five more times for the other five holes in the tube holder.
4. Remove the stock finder tube holder by unscrewing its Philips screw.
5. Install this one in its place; be sure to slide it all the way forward and align it the same way the stock finder was aligned.
6. Slide a 30mm finder into the tube holder and screw the M3 screws down.  Align with the OTA using your method of choice.

Enjoy not smashing your nose, or at least not smashing it on the back of the OTA.

Are you interested in even more clearance, or do you need a different mounting method for some other reason?  If you've deforked your OTA, you can use a side-mount finder scope holder.  I've uploaded one of those here.

A note on attaching this to the tube: I managed to accidentally pull out the threaded brass heat-set insert where the finder tube screw goes while playing around in testing (I used a screw that was too long, which levered the insert out as I screwed it in).  I replaced it with a new M3 heat-set insert and an M3 socket-head screw, which I much prefer to the stock 4-40 screw.  It was very easy to install the new insert, so consider that if it interest you.