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Author Topic: 1/2A flying wire source  (Read 3364 times)

Offline Ron Duly

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1/2A flying wire source
« on: August 31, 2024, 03:05:59 PM »
Where can I order .008 and .010 braided flying wire useable for 1/2A's?  None listed by MacMaster Carr, Brodak nor MBS.  Help!  Thanks

Offline Jim Rhoades

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Re: 1/2A flying wire source
« Reply #1 on: August 31, 2024, 07:35:36 PM »
Ron,

   I don't recall any cable smaller than .012".  I'd suggest using spectra lines if they are legal for your application.  They are not like the old Dacron lines of the distant past.

Jim Rhoades


Offline Colin McRae

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Re: 1/2A flying wire source
« Reply #2 on: August 31, 2024, 07:53:20 PM »
20-pound rated PowerPro Spectra recommended. Hi-viz yellow color also recommended. The AMA allows Spectra lines as far as I know. I use them.

Online 944_Jim

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Re: 1/2A flying wire source
« Reply #3 on: August 31, 2024, 08:34:30 PM »
American Fishing Wire (AFW)
Surfstrand (uncoated) .008" 10-lb in 600 foot spool:
Find it on Amazon.
The 15 lb Surfstrand is .010"
AFW part number goes by strength in pounds x length like this:
B010-6 is Bare 10 lb (.008") wire in 600 ft spool.
B015-8 is Bare 15 lb (.010") wire in 1000 ft spool.
Bxxx-4 is Bare xxx wire in 300 foot spool.
Cxxx-y is Coated (you don't want coated).

There was another company called Cablestrand out of California. They marketed an uncoated wire for us under the Fly-by-Wire brand.
Their website doesn't pull up for me right now.

Both of those vendors spools can be found on eBay or Fishing/Hunting vendors.

But for bringing all this data up, please recognize that time marches on. While I have spools of stranded steel, I've also used SpiderWire. This is one of the earlier common name brands for a fishing line also known as "braided synthetic line." This kind of fishing line is much more readily available now. I got my last 300 foot spool locally at Dick's.

Good luck with your search!

EDIT: I just re-read your query...I saw "wire" and automatically though I saw "stranded." I now see you wrote "braided." I've seen "stranded" and "wire" or "stranded" and "cable" together. I've seen "braided" and "line" together. I've not seen braided cable. I still hope you find what you are looking for.



Offline kenneth cook

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Re: 1/2A flying wire source
« Reply #4 on: September 01, 2024, 06:04:48 AM »
              Melvin at MBS Model Supply, he has .010", .012" and several other harder to source items. One thing I will say in addition , the order is out quickly.

Online Dave Rigotti

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Re: 1/2A flying wire source
« Reply #5 on: September 01, 2024, 07:26:41 AM »
I have 2 sets of .008" by 52' stranded lines new in package from Brodaks I will sell you.
$35USD shipped to CONus. PayPal
Dave Rigotti
AMA 66859
Chesterland, Ohio

Offline Perry Rose

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Re: 1/2A flying wire source
« Reply #6 on: September 01, 2024, 07:46:04 AM »
Aunt Lidia's carpet thread worked for me.
I may be wrong but I doubt it.
I wouldn't take her to a dog fight even if she had a chance to win.
The worst part of growing old is remembering when you were young.

Online Dennis Toth

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Re: 1/2A flying wire source
« Reply #7 on: September 01, 2024, 09:20:31 AM »
For 1/2A you really only need 10lb test Spectra line. I use the FINS 40G brand. They are thin and very strong look up "Adventure in Spectra" on this forum and you will find all the information you need to make up a set of lines (very good video on doing the ends). I use a rough formula to select the Lb test rating of -  model weight in oz/16oz per lb. times (2 times 10). So a simple example:  16oz model, 16/16 times (2x10) = 20lb test line, pick the closest rating.

Best,   DennisT

Offline Colin McRae

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Re: 1/2A flying wire source
« Reply #8 on: September 02, 2024, 02:52:08 PM »
For 1/2A you really only need 10lb test Spectra line. I use the FINS 40G brand. They are thin and very strong look up "Adventure in Spectra" on this forum and you will find all the information you need to make up a set of lines (very good video on doing the ends). I use a rough formula to select the Lb test rating of -  model weight in oz/16oz per lb. times (2 times 10). So a simple example:  16oz model, 16/16 times (2x10) = 20lb test line, pick the closest rating.

Best,   DennisT

I know its overkill for 1/2A but I use 20# Spectra only cuz the AMA has a simple table for model weight/engine size vs line strength, and it mentions 20# test for engines up to .09

Plus, the added benefit of less stretch compared to lower rated lines.

Offline Ron Duly

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Re: 1/2A flying wire source
« Reply #9 on: September 02, 2024, 08:01:24 PM »
Dave came through with exactly what I was looking for.  I'll also look into the stringy stuff, too.  Thanks!

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