Guys -
I'm a member over at RC Scale Models (RCSB) as well as here, and a few
months back there was a discussion on balancing aircraft for flight. I
noticed here, that someone was asking about nose weight to help balance
their ME 262, and I remembered a new product that the distributors
called "steel powder". With the EPA & the BATF getting hard nosed
about lead, and lead shot not being environmentally acceptable, this
steel powder was interesting to many over there. I contacted the
supplier last night & here is his response
" Thank you for the inquiry.
The material is something that my brother and I discovered. It is a
by-product of a manufacturing process that, just as it becomes useless in that
process, it becomes perfect for our use. It is a very very fine steel almost in
a dust form. For this reason, it is very dense and thus very heavy. It's nature
is such that it mixes exceptionally well with epoxy, making it perfect for
conforming to where ever it is poured. No more melting and forming dangerous
lead, as we all have done in the past out of necessity. It is completely
non-toxic and safe to use, and of course, no heat is necessary. We mix the epoxy
as usual, and then add the Steel Powder until a heavy paste consistency is
achieved. It can be used directly in the craft, or poured into forms made from
TP paper rolls or similar, and then cut into wafers. It cuts and drills like
butter, unlike lead that wants to clog cutting devises. It can be poured into
cowl rings, used to clue fire walls (makes epoxy even stronger as does micro
balloons). In fact just think of it as micro balloons in reverse.
Shipping was a challenge because of the nature of the heavy material.
Then I discovered that I can get about 7lbs in a flat rate USPS priority
shipping box. I can ship 7lbs anywhere in the country for $5.20. So we ask just
$17 / box for 7lbs and that includes the shipping.
I try to keep an ad running on RCU, but you can also order direct by
simply sending me a pay pal for the $17.
My pay pal is ram3500-rcu@juno.com
You can also just send a check for $17 to
Gary Prince
503 Foster Ave.
North Canton, Oh 44720
Hope you try some and like it as much as all other who have used it
do."
So, if you're looking for a good way to get weight into tight or goofy spaces, try some of this. 7#'s ought to go a long way in these smaller birds.
Reid
"