Aileron balance tube hole

[Ejs014]

I have an older set of plans with 3/4 inch holes in the aileron nose ribs. Is that the latest size? I read another post where it may have changed over the years. Could a 1 inch tube be used? I have a 8ft 1” tube but can purchase a 3/4 if I can’t use it. Is the tube aluminum type important, ie 1,3,5 or 6xxxx series?

Thanks
Eli

[Chewie]

I don't have 4 place plans, but any change to the balance tube will be documented as an engineering change or notice which can be found here.

[sjt]

Any ideas of where the lead can be purchased?

thanks
stan austin tx

[Utah-Jay]

Any ideas of where the lead can be purchased?

thanks
stan austin tx

Best to use lead shot, the higher # the better as in #8 or #8 1/2 as the pellets are smaller.

Cabelas, Bass Pro shops or any place that sells reloading equipment.

[Ejs014]

eBay has good prices on lead if you go the melting route. I’ve also had some success asking tire shops for used weights but that is getting harder to do with regulations on lead disposal and tire weights moving away from lead.

[rv8bldr]

I went to Cabela's here in Canada and they don't sell lead shot anymore.

[RatherBFlying]

I bought lead ingots off ebay and melted them down.

[joehmason]

Bought one bag of #12 shot from Ballistic Products Inc. It is the smallest shot available. Taped one end of the aluminum tube and filled it with the lead shot. Poured in thinned fiberglass resin in to hold it all in place. Once the resin cured, I plugged the ends with a thick epoxy. They came out very close to the weight needed to counter balance the ailerons. I was happy that I did not have to melt lead and deal with fumes and such.

https://www.ballisticproducts.com/Chilled-Lead-Shot-12-13mm-11_bag/productinfo/02612/

[sjt]

How much did you need for both ailerons? Which model are you making?
I am working on a patrol.
sjt austin tx

[joehmason]

Building a Patrol also. It took just over 4 lbs per aileron. Bought a 10# bag and had some left over. Without covering it was overbalanced. After covering it was slightly overbalanced. After paint it seems slightly underbalanced. I am going to see how it is after I get it on the wing and then add a little more if needed.

[Gerhard Rieger]

A lager tube will take more lead increasing the weight that can cause you to be overweight. Check with Bob Barrows regarding this.

[Chewie]

More on this subject:

https://bearhawkforums.com/forum/bearhawk-4-place-plans-build/50403-aileron-counterweight-tube

[Ejs014]

Yes that is one of the threads I read. There’s another one where someone mentioned it had changed over the years. Anyhow I plan to just use what is called out on my plans. From what I’ve read it’s around 5lbs needed per side for standard fabric.

I had thought I had purchased a 3/4 tube and a check of my receipts confirmed that I had. This led to a thorough search of the shop (actually twice because I can’t stand losing things) and I finally found it. A 7 ft piece ordered from wicks many years ago in a large order. This is the downside of having a project that began so many years ago. More on that in another thread.

[Gerhard Rieger]

I can really relate to you, Being at it for more than eleven years, you have to keep it together where what is and what you bought when.