Author Topic: CONTROL LINE HANDLE FINISH (Read 5698 times)

Carl Cisneros · « **on:** November 22, 2015, 01:54:45 PM »

Folks;

What is a good type of finish for a CL handle? Like the Brodaks or the SH Hobbies unfinished ones.

thanks much

I have 2 handles that I fly with that are sanded to shape for my hands comfort but no finish on them as yet. (each of the 2 handles are dedicated to a certain plane)
Any suggestions would be nice.

Carl

Brett Buck · « **Reply #1 on:** November 22, 2015, 02:00:55 PM »

Quote from: Carl Cisneros on November 22, 2015, 01:54:45 PM

Folks;

What is a good type of finish for a CL handle? Like the Brodaks or the SH Hobbies unfinished ones.

thanks much

I have 2 handles that I fly with that are sanded to shape for my hands comfort but no finish on them as yet. (each of the 2 handles are dedicated to a certain plane)
Any suggestions would be nice.

I usually put on a very good epoxy finish. With forced-air drying/curing (in a food dehydrator) you can get a very durable finish in less than a day. Then I put this over it:

http://www.amazon.com/Gamma-AGT1-Gauze-Tape/dp/B002N1OG3G

Brett

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #2 on:** November 22, 2015, 02:01:43 PM »

I just use enough clear dope that it's water- and fuel proof.

You can make a thing of art using polyurethane varnish and a lot of sanding, but it turns out that for a lot of people, the weight of the handle impacts how well they fly -- 16 grams is definitely better than 100.

Avaiojet · « **Reply #3 on:** November 22, 2015, 04:32:51 PM »

I sent a modeler, don't remember who, a couple of leather tennis racket grips. Guy doesn't know it, but they're worth around 30.00 each!

I hope he used them, or if not, pass them on to another modeler. "Send them back!!"

They come in long strips about 3/4" wide depending on the brand. Could do two handles per grip.

Quality leather tennis racquet grips are almost impossible to come by, I was told they are no longer being made.

Whoever you are, Post a photo!

I'd like to know you used them.

Charles

GregArdill · « **Reply #4 on:** November 22, 2015, 05:15:33 PM »

Here's my latest, painted in Bondall Clear Varnish.
It finished up at 100g. I like the feel of the heavier handle, but hey, what do I know?

As the wood is Huon Pine, next one probably won't have any paint at all except to mark Up.

Carl Cisneros · « **Reply #5 on:** November 22, 2015, 06:25:52 PM »

Thanks for the tips guys

all are good ones.

am leaning on the epoxy one mainly for sealing then sanding smooth.

Again, thanks to everyone.

Carl

Charles: I found these buddy: http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/catpage-LEATHERRGRI.html

RknRusty · « **Reply #6 on:** November 22, 2015, 06:52:52 PM »

Hi Carl, I'll toss in one more, similar to the rest. I use the unbiased Tom Morris cable handles, they fit my knotty knuckled hand better than any other. They come raw, ready for dremel shaping of the palm pads and finger grips, then sanding and finishing. I wipe on clear Minwax polyurethane and after it dries, wrap it tightly with Walmart tennis racket tape, which follows the contours of the grip nicely. The poly and the tape are both pretty much bullet proof to all the stuff we slimers get on them. It's probably a little lighter than epoxy but both seem equally effective. I've never had the tape unwrap and it's great for non-slip grip.
Rusty

Carl Cisneros · « **Reply #7 on:** November 22, 2015, 07:28:09 PM »

Rusty
thanks for the Poly tip

I forgot about that product.

decisions, decisions,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

john e. holliday · « **Reply #8 on:** November 22, 2015, 10:00:26 PM »

I myself don't like smooth finishes on the handles. The best one I have is one I got off Dick Byron at VSC one year trying to tame down an air plane. With all fuel and body sweat it is sticky but makes for a great grip so the handle doesn't slide in my hand..

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #9 on:** November 22, 2015, 10:12:49 PM »

Two coats of Z-Poxy finishing epoxy (sanded smooth after 1st coat), with fishing rod handle tape on the grip area. The tape protects the epoxy finish from being worn through on asphalt and has been trouble free for years & years.

Steve

Perry Rose · « **Reply #10 on:** November 23, 2015, 04:29:36 AM »

I use product called Vet Wrap to wrap the handle. Find it at Agway or TSC type stores. Maybe Amazon.

PerttiMe · « **Reply #11 on:** November 23, 2015, 10:19:19 AM »

So, some like it smooth and some like it grippy; some like it hard and some like it soft?

Randy Cuberly · « **Reply #12 on:** November 23, 2015, 12:19:00 PM »

I simply use a couple of coats of clear dope on the wood parts, to keep water out. I do admit that a coat of epoxy would work better but would probably be heavier and I can't tolerate a heavy handle. I do wrap the gripping portion of the handle with a layer of Tennis Tape. In my opinion there is nothing worse than a handle that can slide around in your hand. In fact I make sure mine slightly touches the outside edges of my index finger and little finger (fits exactly in other words). I think that's very important for consistant "muscle memory".

Randy Cuberly

Randy Powell · « **Reply #13 on:** November 23, 2015, 12:30:15 PM »

I like Pat Johnston's method the best. He coats his handles with epoxy mixed with sand. Give it a fuel proof and sandpaper finish. I did my latest handle like this. Very nice.

PerttiMe · « **Reply #14 on:** November 23, 2015, 12:50:44 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on November 23, 2015, 12:30:15 PM

... epoxy mixed with sand. Give it a fuel proof and sandpaper finish. I did my latest handle like this. Very nice.

hmmmm grippy but not squishy.
Reminds me of "skateboard tape" on the front strap of a 1911. Felt a little odd first but was perfect after just a little getting used to.

Fred Cronenwett · « **Reply #15 on:** November 23, 2015, 07:18:22 PM »

I have made redwood handles with a polyurethane finish, Very light and the finish is fairly durable. But can be easily refinished if it's scratched up at all.

The redwood has some great wood grain patterns and come thru with the polyurethane finish, I have made racing, hard point and standard cable handles

Fred

Mark Knoepfle · « **Reply #16 on:** November 23, 2015, 07:37:33 PM »

Fred - those are some nice looking handles. Are the backs of the two cable handles like a hot rock for the adjustment?

Mark

Fred Cronenwett · « **Reply #17 on:** November 23, 2015, 07:51:04 PM »

I put a short landing gear strap, it has to be metal to keep it from slipping on the back side. It works better when there is two straps.

Fred

Mark Knoepfle · « **Reply #18 on:** November 23, 2015, 08:19:36 PM »

Clever! Thank you Fred.

Mark

Randy Powell · « **Reply #19 on:** November 23, 2015, 08:32:54 PM »

Here's mine. You can see the sand in the finish.

Ted Fancher · « **Reply #20 on:** November 26, 2015, 09:57:11 AM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on November 23, 2015, 12:30:15 PM

I like Pat Johnston's method the best. He coats his handles with epoxy mixed with sand. Give it a fuel proof and sandpaper finish. I did my latest handle like this. Very nice.

Randy,

How does he get the sand through the airbrush. When I tried it mine got all clogged up.

Happy Big Bird Day

Ted

Gerald Arana · « **Reply #21 on:** November 26, 2015, 10:17:48 AM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on November 23, 2015, 08:32:54 PM

Here's mine. You can see the sand in the finish.

Carl,

I brought some black sand from one of those islands in the pacific some years ago and used it on a couple of my handles. I coated the area that I wanted covered in epoxy and sprinkled the black sand over it. Then I put another coat of epoxy over it.
The problem that I had was; it would sand your hand after a couple flights. I think the sand was to course. A fined sand would've been better. Also I think I would use (fine) white sand next time.

Good luck, Jerry

Carl Cisneros · « **Reply #22 on:** November 26, 2015, 06:21:48 PM »

Guys

Thanks ever so much for your suggestions, now I just have to make up my mind as to what I want to use on mine.

Carl

Brett Buck · « **Reply #23 on:** November 27, 2015, 01:31:24 AM »

Quote from: Gerald Arana on November 26, 2015, 10:17:48 AM

Carl,

I brought some black sand from one of those islands in the pacific some years ago and used it on a couple of my handles. I coated the area that I wanted covered in epoxy and sprinkled the black sand over it. Then I put another coat of epoxy over it.
The problem that I had was; it would sand your hand after a couple flights. I think the sand was to course. A fined sand would've been better. Also I think I would use (fine) white sand next time.

I used sandpaper and sand a long time ago, and that's exactly what happened to me. That was when I was flying a lot, and it just ate up the skin on my hand and I had blisters and callouses. I really like the gamma gauze tape, it has good grip, lasts a reasonable amount of time, and has no "give" to it.

Brett

david beazley · « **Reply #24 on:** November 27, 2015, 05:19:05 AM »

I have taken a sheet of wet/dry sand paper (220 or 320 grit) and punched out "dots" with a standard paper punch. I glue the dots to a painted smooth handle to add grippiness. The dots are unaffected by water or fuel. Works for me.