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Aileron balance tube weights

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  • Aileron balance tube weights

    I did a review of related posts on this but have not been able to determine if their is notable difference in aileron balance weight between different model Bearhawks. I plan on using leadshot and filling the tubes to 5 lbs 4 oz per Beartracks info Anyone have any specific number they used on a Patrol?

    Cheers! Dave

  • #2
    Just filling up the tube with lead shot will get you close enough. All the models (except the LSA) use the same aileron and should balance the same. Mark

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    • #3
      Thanks Mark, I've got an 11lb bag of #12 lead shot coming my way!

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      • #4
        FYI...just finished doing my Patrol balance tubes. With 1" deep plugs of JB weld and lead slurry and filling tubes with #12 lead shot the tubes came out each at 5 lbs and 9 oz
        Last edited by DBeaulieu; 11-05-2023, 09:40 AM. Reason: Updated weights after completely filling tube and plugging. Lead shot settled after being shuttled around in back of pickup and left open space in tube.

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        • #5
          RotoMetals sells .75 dia. cast lead rod that fit nicely into the balance tubes. They are more expensive than shot, (about $13 per foot, ≈ 2 lbs), but are really easy to install. A minute or two straightening them out with a mallet on the workbench, and they slide tightly into the tubes. The tube mounting rivets would probably hold the rods in place, but an epoxy plug at each end is probably worth doing. (Be a little careful handling lead - gloves and good clean-up after you're done).

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          • #6
            The four tubes I filled for our two Patrols came out within a few ounces of each other...roughly 6 lbs... easy enough to drill out some material to get things closer after covering. 105/206/lead shot slurry.

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            • #7

              I filled my tubes with lead shot, small balls shotgun variety on my Patrol QB kit...inserting the tube into an Oratex covered aileron (I was expecting it to be to heavy with the reputation for Oratex being light) but was surprised to find I'll need more weight to balance. I inserted the filled tube into an uncovered aileron and was bemused to see it wouldn't even balance that one. I'm guessing the lead would be much more dense and potentially heavier if melted. Hoping the short section left will suffice!​

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              • paulodonnell
                paulodonnell commented
                Editing a comment
                Filling with lead shot works out at 3,5 LBs or 1,5kG ...must be the air gaps betwixt hose little balls! Cant figure out how others got that to 6 LBS !

            • #8
              Using anything larger than #8 shot will prove to limit the amount of weight that can he inserted into the tube.

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              • paulodonnell
                paulodonnell commented
                Editing a comment
                Think I identified my particular problem....the 'lead' shot is tiny (no idea what no # is but they are only 1,5mm or so)so I thought would pack densely. I'd cut open come exercise weight bags and went back and tried hitting a couple of the balls with a hammer expecting to squish them but they are shattering, so I don't think I had pure lead! I'm going to cast some slugs from the real stuff...
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