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General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: Kozmo77 on February 19, 2014, 11:15:13 AM

Title: control lines
Post by: Kozmo77 on February 19, 2014, 11:15:13 AM

Need to make some new lines- was going to order some steel on a roll,; any one brand better than another? Any to avoid?

Title: Re: control lines
Post by: Andrew Hathaway on February 19, 2014, 11:17:03 AM

http://www.mbsmodelsupply.com/

Title: Re: control lines
Post by: Monty Summach on February 19, 2014, 03:20:26 PM

This comment is not specific to any one brand but rather 7 vs 21 strand types. I wanted to try 21 strand (.018) so a purchased a bulk roll. I made the lines up (with tied connections) and really liked the smoothness and flexibility. After about 20-30 flights I noticed a broken strand. (lines were carefully handled and stored on a 5" spool) I thought this might just be one of those things so I made up another set. Unfortunately, these also had a relatively short life so I set the roll aside and went back to using 7 strand.
Just my experience …. your mileage may vary
Regards,

Title: Re: control lines
Post by: Steve Helmick on February 19, 2014, 04:03:20 PM

Most everybody I fly with has tried the 19 strand and gone back to 7 strand for that exact reason....except Howard, I think he usually uses the 3 strand soldered stuff from PAW. Not sure about Paul's preferences, since he moved to Venison Park, but suspect he's using either the 3 strand or 7 strand.  I've never heard or read of 21 strand, tho. 

I got bulk 7-strand from RSM...nice stuff.  If you order from McMaster-Carr, be sure you get stainless steel, and whoever you get it from, make sure it isn't that bronze colored stuff.  The shiny silver is much easier to see on any surface, be it grass, concrete or asphalt. At McMaster-Carr, I think you can choose from several different stainless alloys, and I have no idea which to get.  H^^ Steve 

Title: Re: control lines
Post by: Howard Rush on February 19, 2014, 04:48:40 PM

I get mine from MBS, too. 

Some 7-strand cable is smoother than others.  My speculation is that the cable comes out smooth when all the strands feeding the machine that makes the cable have equal tension.  I also speculate that this may vary from batch to batch more than it varies from source to source.  I am currently buying .031" cable from different sources trying to find smooth cable for leadouts.  If you find any particularly smooth .031" cable, please tell me.

Title: Re: control lines
Post by: Monty Summach on February 19, 2014, 05:29:11 PM

Steve - right you are. The cable I tried was 19 strand.

Title: Re: control lines
Post by: Brett Buck on February 19, 2014, 08:04:45 PM

Quote from: Howard Rush on February 19, 2014, 04:48:40 PM

I get mine from MBS, too. 

   Me too, works dandy. That or sullivan are what I use.

   I had some issue with strange breakage issues with SIG lines a while back. it would break in multiple places during a pull test.

    Brett

Title: Re: control lines
Post by: Kozmo77 on February 20, 2014, 02:34:56 PM

Well guys, I was looking at some .018 7 strand on the Bay that sold for 35.00 for 1k feet or 250 ft for $15. It's called Fly By Wire-specifies it's control line stuff. Am getting where I don't trust every product and KNEW you guys would put me on to the good stuff. I know about the MSB firm- would love to support the small in the trade and hobby people more than anything but 2 sets would -should- last me and didn't want to have 700 plus feet going to waste. I live in East Texas for the moment and know some of you guys are somewhat closeby. Would love to pit crew for anybody that would put up with me. Know a little bit about the craft and still love it after 60 yrs of building( off and on). H^^

Title: Re: control lines
Post by: Eric Viglione on February 20, 2014, 02:56:58 PM

For what it's worth... I've been using the Tom Morris 19 strand lines for years now with no major problems. I do notice the occasional unravel or barber pole effect on the odd line towards the end of life, but not the dramatic early breakage noted by some here. Maybe it's because I don't get to too many contests and get pull tested as often as some of you do?

One thing maybe I should mention... I change lines on my main plane every year wheather they look like they need it or not. On a good year, that's prolly 300-500 flights... on a not so good year that's maybe 100-200 flights, but either way, a new set goes on the plane every year, and I only use one set & handle per plane.

Title: Re: control lines
Post by: Tim Wescott on February 20, 2014, 03:18:04 PM

I go with MBS.  He's a nice guy, and I've never had problems (in all of two orders -- it's great how long a roll of line lasts).

He has a day job and runs the shop out of his house, so call after business hours, Kansas time.

Title: Re: control lines
Post by: Bill Little on February 20, 2014, 04:23:55 PM

Quote from: Tim Wescott on February 20, 2014, 03:18:04 PM

I go with MBS.  He's a nice guy, and I've never had problems (in all of two orders -- it's great how long a roll of line lasts).

He has a day job and runs the shop out of his house, so call after business hours, Kansas time.

Hi Tim,

Is Kansas time 2 hours earlier than Eastern (NC) time?

Thanks
BIG Bear

Title: Re: control lines
Post by: john e. holliday on February 20, 2014, 04:42:45 PM

Big Bear, we are only an hour behind you.   LL~ LL~

Title: Re: control lines
Post by: Fred Cronenwett on February 21, 2014, 10:18:24 AM

I have flown with both the fly-by-wire and MBS lines with no problems, MBS has great service and He made up a custom bulk roll of .027 for me

Fred