Approx Elev Lead Weight

[22LD]

I just melted down a bunch of tire weights to first get rid of the clips and debris and I created a two 3lb slugs. I will get the final weight by balancing and remelt them for pouring. But can someone tell me when 5 to 5.5 pounds is mentioned, is that total or per side? I though it was total. Just wanted to know if I need to go back and melt some more lead. Thanks.

[Battson]

You need quite a bit of weight, they should be considerably overbalanced before you add the fabric.
I can't recall exactly what the weight is.

[22LD]

Thanks, Jonathon.

[Zzz]

I've been planning on using lead shot in an epoxy slurry to avoid the molten lead operation. Any downside to this?

[Bradrock]

I'm not there yet, but I recall a discussion (maybe on the old forum?) about using lead wool tamped into the tube to avoid the issues with melting lead or using slurry. Does anybody remember this or have further experience with it?

[Jflyer]

ZZZ.
I like the new Selfi as your profile photo. What are you flying?

[Battson]

The epoxy-shot slurry could be alright for the elevators provided it's a good strong epoxy and you used a lot of it, and non-reactive with the covering chemicals. You'd probably want to run some extra screws into it to be sure it didn't move. It just kinda "sits" there without much support at all. If the epoxy mix was weak because there was too much lead shot, a good hit from a rock thrown by the wheels could probably crack it.

For the aileron balance I think you'd have a hard time getting enough slurry into the tube unless you used like 90% lead 10% epoxy. With solid lead there's not too much room to spare.

Melting and pouring lead isn't hard, a barbecue outside with an old tin works out fine. Just don't stand beside it all day and inhale the fumes! This is a step everyone should have no problems with, provided you're careful about your health.

[Zzz]

ZZZ.
I like the new Selfi as your profile photo. What are you flying?

John, thanks, it's a CubCrafters Top Cub. Story here.

Battson, I think you're right. The pure lead probably allows for a lower overall volume of weight. Did you use plywood for your sandwich?

[alaskabearhawk]

Epoxy-lead was used by Russ Erb. Aileron balance tube was for the lead wool...two separate places.