Hi all,
Whats the best way to install nose weight in a GRP glider?
I need 700g to balance my Baudis Antares and am not sure whether to use shot, small blocks or large sheets of lead.
Any recommendations?
Thanks
Phill
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Nose weight installation
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- Posts: 329
- Joined: 18 Aug 2015, 20:38
- Location: South Cambs
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- Posts: 31
- Joined: 18 Mar 2015, 22:00
- Location: SW England
Re: Nose weight installation
Make a plaster mould from the nose in a suitable tin. Work out how much weight you need minus a bit for adjustments later. Cast the lead into the mould. Make sure it's bone dry first. Result is perfect fitting nose weight. Drop it the nose followed by some epoxy or hot glue.
You can not have too many gliders, you can have too little time.
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- Posts: 573
- Joined: 30 May 2015, 20:35
- Location: Sutton Bank, North Yorkshire
Re: Nose weight installation
Just a suggestion - rather than take a mould of the outside of the nose and assume that the wall thickness is uniform (and usually it isn't - epoxy/joining tape often pools into the tip of the nose) try this... shove some plasticene into the nose to take an impression, then lower this into your plaster. Now the lead casting really will be a perfect fit.
Also, while you're casting, pour a few different depths/weights to give yourself options for trimming flights.
Also, don't breathe in the lead fumes! Lethal.
Hope this helps.
Also, while you're casting, pour a few different depths/weights to give yourself options for trimming flights.
Also, don't breathe in the lead fumes! Lethal.
Hope this helps.
- jimbo
- Posts: 293
- Joined: 18 Mar 2015, 21:32
- Location: Cornwall
Re: Nose weight installation
Buy a selection of fishing weights large and smaller. Determine the correct amount required to balance the add the amount minus an amount to enable you to remove the balance back if required. Mix some epoxy and smear over weights. Stick in the nose and waggle about. It will require the same as a molten lead install minus a few grams and you won't need to melt any lead
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- Posts: 329
- Joined: 18 Aug 2015, 20:38
- Location: South Cambs
Re: Nose weight installation
Thanks for your suggestions!
I'll be trying Jimbos' suggestion as the nose has the tow release mechanism in the way for moulded solutions as shown in the photo.
Phill
I'll be trying Jimbos' suggestion as the nose has the tow release mechanism in the way for moulded solutions as shown in the photo.
Phill
Re: Nose weight installation
The other option is to cut increasingly larger discs of lead from a sheet and drill a central hole to clear the aerotow release.
Just keep adding discs of lead till you get to the correct CG, then glue the first couple to the nose of the fuz. A self tapping screw each side of the tow release locks the rest in place to the glued ones.
I have used this method on other models, but built in a 6mm hex head bolt during construction and slide the lead discs onto the bolt. Then when the correct CG is acheived just wind a nylock nut onto the bolt to keep the discs in place.
This method also has the advantage of being easily adjustable when you go from the forward, safe CG on a maiden flight to tuning it to your satisfaction by removing noseweight on subsequent flights.
John M
Just keep adding discs of lead till you get to the correct CG, then glue the first couple to the nose of the fuz. A self tapping screw each side of the tow release locks the rest in place to the glued ones.
I have used this method on other models, but built in a 6mm hex head bolt during construction and slide the lead discs onto the bolt. Then when the correct CG is acheived just wind a nylock nut onto the bolt to keep the discs in place.
This method also has the advantage of being easily adjustable when you go from the forward, safe CG on a maiden flight to tuning it to your satisfaction by removing noseweight on subsequent flights.
John M
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- Posts: 557
- Joined: 18 Mar 2015, 20:12
- Location: Northamptonshire
Re: Nose weight installation
If you get stuck and need to melt lead you can pop round to me I think you only live 9 miles from me and I can melt it for you. ROO
Re: Nose weight installation
As most of use think Roo is Superman, maybe he does it, just by staring at the lead....
I wonder???
BC
I wonder???
BC
- terry white
- Posts: 508
- Joined: 18 Mar 2015, 21:08
- Location: wareham,dorset.england
Re: Nose weight installation
Just as an addition to the excellent molded suggestions.
Using its weight as part of what is necessary for C.G.correction mold in a threaded bolt with the thread looking out into the fus. Then the last two or three grams required for balance can be cut from lead sheet into discs with a hole in the center. these discs are slipped onto the thread of the bolt followed by a washer and nut. You now have a perfect means of adjusting and securing the balance point during the life of the model.
Whatever your preferred way of application it goes without saying that there should be no way that the weight can come loose and end up further back then intended,even after some bumpy landings Etc. We've all seen it happen,
Using its weight as part of what is necessary for C.G.correction mold in a threaded bolt with the thread looking out into the fus. Then the last two or three grams required for balance can be cut from lead sheet into discs with a hole in the center. these discs are slipped onto the thread of the bolt followed by a washer and nut. You now have a perfect means of adjusting and securing the balance point during the life of the model.
Whatever your preferred way of application it goes without saying that there should be no way that the weight can come loose and end up further back then intended,even after some bumpy landings Etc. We've all seen it happen,