Handles and Line clips

[kvarley]

Since  I carry a nice set of line clips , in a numbered, indexed, display case , I no longer use the adjustable feature of the "Ted Fancher" type handles , and I understand I'm not the only one . So I made up some handles without the adjustable feature , which means I only needed one layer of 1/16" plywood , and also I used aluminum pieces instead of the original steel ones as a weight saving measure. The modified handles that resulted , only weigh 27 grams complete with thong, a nice saving in weight . The clip index is shown here  and the cheap vise that I modified into a bending jig. Since it is a very cheap vise , the jaws are plenty soft enough to drill holes for the steel pins that I inserted into them. Along with the vise I have a number of 1/16" plywood spacers. The number on the clip index , corresponds to the number of ply spacers that I must put in the vise to produce that particular size clip. Therefore whenever I use a clip , it is a very quick matter to make another replacement one , exactly the right size. Keith Varley

[Scott Hartford]

Very nice!!!!

[Steve Helmick]

Looks like a good system, Keith. I take it a rubberband holds all the clips into the index? What's the green stuff on the handle? Any chance for pictures of a handle during assembly? How are the aluminum bits held to the plywood core, for instance? How heavy of a pull test will this thing take? What exposure, shutter speed and film ISO did you use?  Steve

[Scott Hartford]

And more importantly, are you selling them??

[kvarley]

Thanks for your interest  No selling--- I only make things for my own pleasure and as it turns out I have made a lot of handles over the years .I actually like making handles . It's amazing how many of my discarded handles are in use by members of my club , and a handle can be made in a couple of hours on a rainy day.No rubber band is needed to hold the clips into place  , they fit nice and snug. NO camera settings to give , it's my digital Sony  just point and shoot. On this close up stuff I don't use a flash , just available light. Pull test??  I dont see any call to be worried . The core is 1/16" ply interlocked with the aluminum bits and epoxied to the balsa pieces before shaping . Internally it looks something like this crude sketch. Keith.  ps The green handle tape is high friction guard tape from "Lee Valley Tools" for about $4.90 per roll. available on line in US dollars or Can. dollars.  MY favorite store. Nice tools , sandpaper , glues etc.

[john e. holliday]

It looks great both the handle and the line clip tool.  Myself, I am lazy and have been using Carl Shoupe's set-up for making line clips.    I just make a half dozen in various sizes and keep them in my box.  So far no pull test has done any damage on the clips or the Fancher handle.  Amazing how modelers improvize.   I made copies of the Ken Smith handle for Mouse Racing for the grand kids as I could not find a source for them.  Also I do not put a finish on my handles as a sealer/paint makes them slick and hard to hold.  Have fun,  DOC Holliday