Author Topic: New Handle (Read 3732 times)

Paul Walker · « **on:** March 09, 2013, 04:24:52 PM »

Just finished building my handle for the Predator. It has a single layer of 0.080 inch carbon laminate with balsa sheet on each side to ease the pressure on the fingers.
I made it this morning and it took about one hour to build. It weighed in at 16 grams!
Anyone can do this. Since it is so easy I have a handle for each and every plane. The handle stays attached to the lines. This in combination with the lead outs being staggered in length, it is virtually impossible to takeoff with the lines connected backwards.

At 16 grams it provides more "feel" of the plane.

The first pic is the new handle and the second shows the clips and safety thong attachment.

So simple a cave man could do it!

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #1 on:** March 09, 2013, 04:51:04 PM »

Nice! Are the holes for the line clips lines with brass tubing, it looks like it.

Paul Walker · « **Reply #2 on:** March 09, 2013, 05:33:04 PM »

Quote from: Crist Rigotti on March 09, 2013, 04:51:04 PM

Nice! Are the holes for the line clips lines with brass tubing, it looks like it.

Yes, that is where the line clips go. It has to be that as carbon does not wear well. I tried it without but found out real soon that it was a bad idea!

Randy Powell · « **Reply #3 on:** March 09, 2013, 07:17:45 PM »

Where do you get the .080 carbon?

Doug Moon · « **Reply #4 on:** March 09, 2013, 07:28:52 PM »

Where do you get that line you used for your safety thong?

Howard Rush · « **Reply #5 on:** March 09, 2013, 07:40:21 PM »

Where do you get the cluo?

Paul Walker · « **Reply #6 on:** March 09, 2013, 07:45:32 PM »

Quote from: Doug Moon on March 09, 2013, 07:28:52 PM

Where do you get that line you used for your safety thong?

I believe it was from ACE Hardware. Cotton "rope".

Paul Walker · « **Reply #7 on:** March 09, 2013, 07:46:58 PM »

Quote from: Howard Rush on March 09, 2013, 07:40:21 PM

Where do you get the cluo?

Same place where the safety thing was procured.

Noted.......

Paul Walker · « **Reply #8 on:** March 09, 2013, 08:14:14 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on March 09, 2013, 07:17:45 PM

Where do you get the .080 carbon?

Dragon Plate.

Just Google dragon plate.

bill bischoff · « **Reply #9 on:** March 09, 2013, 08:15:33 PM »

Great Planes (Tower Hobbies) also sells 2mm (.080) carbon plate.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #10 on:** March 09, 2013, 08:38:35 PM »

Dragon Plate. Cool.

Glenn (Gravitywell) Reach · « **Reply #11 on:** March 09, 2013, 08:55:09 PM »

Look for boot laces at the dollar store for safety thongs. They're tough as nails and pretty inexpensive. Love the handle. What size is the balsa grips? I was going to use 1/2" for mine, but I think thats too thick. Very nice looking handle.

Doug Moon · « **Reply #12 on:** March 09, 2013, 11:22:36 PM »

Quote from: Paul Walker on March 09, 2013, 07:45:32 PM

I believe it was from ACE Hardware. Cotton "rope".

I have been wondering about that stuff. I have an old thong made from it and I like it as it doesnt slip up and down your wrist like the nylon does.

Thanks for the name of it!

Doug

Paul Walker · « **Reply #13 on:** March 09, 2013, 11:42:12 PM »

Quote from: Glenn (Gravitywell) Reach on March 09, 2013, 08:55:09 PM

Look for boot laces at the dollar store for safety thongs. They're tough as nails and pretty inexpensive. Love the handle. What size is the balsa grips? I was going to use 1/2" for mine, but I think thats too thick. Very nice looking handle.

I used 3/8" on each side. Medium to harder balsa.

Perry Rose · « **Reply #14 on:** March 10, 2013, 05:24:03 AM »

A stronger alternative for the safety thong is lawn mower pull starter rope. Repair kits can be had at hardware stores or plain cord at a mower sales/repair shop. It comes in at least 3 sizes for $00.30 per foot. I get mine from my neighbor when he's not home.

Chris Wilson · « **Reply #15 on:** March 10, 2013, 07:59:08 PM »

Quote from: Paul Walker on March 09, 2013, 08:14:14 PM

Dragon Plate.

Just Google dragon plate.

That would be - 'DragonPlate' Solid Carbon Fiber Sheet ~ 2mm x 6" x 6" I assume.

Dennis Adamisin · « **Reply #16 on:** March 10, 2013, 08:04:57 PM »

Great application of all the materials in play - LOTZ to see here folks!

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #17 on:** March 10, 2013, 08:47:20 PM »

What did you use to cut the CF, and is it still sharp?

What's the ID of the brass tubing? I drill 1/16" holes in 50 mil stainless steel, and the line clips tend to bite -- so I know I'm doing something wrong.

Pat · « **Reply #18 on:** March 10, 2013, 09:39:36 PM »

This is a beautifull handle. Has anyone ever made one similar out of Aluminum plate?

Pat

Howard Rush · « **Reply #19 on:** March 10, 2013, 10:05:13 PM »

Quote from: Pat on March 10, 2013, 09:39:36 PM

This is a beautifull handle. Has anyone ever made one similar out of Aluminum plate?

I did something similar to Paul's with aluminum in the middle instead of carbon. It was not beautiful. I carved the balsa to the shape of a Hot Rock handle. I used brass bushings in the aluminum, but they wore out. Next handle I made the same, but with brass instead of aluminum. I poked a lot of holes in the brass, but it was still heavy.

Howard Rush · « **Reply #20 on:** March 10, 2013, 10:10:01 PM »

Quote from: Tim Wescott on March 10, 2013, 08:47:20 PM

What did you use to cut the CF, and is it still sharp?

You can cut that stuff with an abrasive cutoff wheel like a Dremel #409 dangerous disk. It shapes nicely with a sanding belt or disk. You can use a Dremel sanding drum for inside corners. A 1/8" high speed steel bit will drill about 2.5" of hole in carbon before it wears out. Carbide circuit board bits work nicely. Turn them fast. Wear a mask or you'll have black boogers.

Paul Walker · « **Reply #21 on:** March 10, 2013, 11:03:53 PM »

Quote from: Chris Wilson on March 10, 2013, 07:59:08 PM

That would be - 'DragonPlate' Solid Carbon Fiber Sheet ~ 2mm x 6" x 6" I assume.

Yes, that's the one.

Paul Walker · « **Reply #22 on:** March 10, 2013, 11:09:59 PM »

The whole point here is to keep the weight out. Using aluminum will be heavier, as will brass.

I'm as anal here as Sparky is about airplane weight. It really does make a difference!

Don't cheap out and make it out of metal.

Howard Rush · « **Reply #23 on:** March 11, 2013, 12:20:11 AM »

I think that handle needs one of those flaming dog heads on it. That way you know it's yours.

Perry Rose · « **Reply #24 on:** March 11, 2013, 05:12:59 AM »

I made one, similiar in shape to the carbon handle, using .062 aluminum with no lightening holes and it weighs 27 grams. I might be able to remove 5 or 6 more grams with some holes.

Dick Pacini · « **Reply #25 on:** March 11, 2013, 06:09:30 AM »

Quote from: Howard Rush on March 09, 2013, 07:40:21 PM

Where do you get the cluo?

Um...what is cluo?

Perry Rose · « **Reply #26 on:** March 11, 2013, 08:47:52 AM »

Who has the capability to mass produce the carbon blanks? Water jet, laser cutters?

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #27 on:** March 11, 2013, 09:40:34 AM »

Quote from: Perry Rose on March 11, 2013, 08:47:52 AM

Who has the capability to mass produce the carbon blanks? Water jet, laser cutters?

You gonna make some?

Paul Walker · « **Reply #28 on:** March 11, 2013, 10:24:37 AM »

Quote from: Dick Pacini on March 11, 2013, 06:09:30 AM

Um...what is cluo?

See reply #7

Chris Wilson · « **Reply #29 on:** March 17, 2013, 05:55:37 PM »

Hi Paul,
just purchased some carbon plate 180mm long, 130mm wide x 2mm thick so I am going to give it a go.

What gauge wire did you use for the custom clips on the handle and were the bushings glued in?

Thanks.