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  1. B

    Tungsten Elevator Counter Weight

    Thanks Bob for the explanation and diagram. Assuming you use lead in the sailplanes simply due to the lower cost? I like the FG pre-wrap of the lead prior to bonding. Might be worth considering for the tungsten strip as well, even if we rivet.
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    Tungsten Elevator Counter Weight

    Our tail is already constructed so this one will have to wait for another bird. Thanks though.
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    Tungsten Elevator Counter Weight

    FritzW, another interesting idea. Thank you, will look into bird shot (did not know this was made. Thought it was either lead or steel)
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    Tungsten Elevator Counter Weight

    Very interesting. Do you think that a machine shop could cut the linear shapes from a bucking bar? I will have to research the alloy density as compared to pure. Thinking it likely does not change it much?
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    Tungsten Elevator Counter Weight

    We have those same concerns around using lead. Obviously less of an issue when constrained in a bar or extended type counterweight but when fastened in strips in close proximity to the elevator hinge you certainly would not like some to come off. Like glass, lead does not hold a shape well. We...
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    Tungsten Elevator Counter Weight

    Turd, our thinking is to machine holes at intervals to allow riveting as well as bonding. Tungsten is difficult to machine but certainly not impossible. We just don't have the required tools. Are you maybe thinking of tungsten carbide? Insanely difficult to machine. Thanks.
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    Tungsten Elevator Counter Weight

    plncraze, we had not thought to look for scrap tungsten counter weights but this might be a good idea. Will search for what we can find. Thanks!
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    Tungsten Elevator Counter Weight

    Dana, you are absolutely correct in saying that the total weight required would be the same, but that assumes that the same weight is at the same moment from the hinge. With tungsten having nearly twice the density more of it can be located at the edge of the elevator counter balance tab. To...
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    Tungsten Elevator Counter Weight

    Thanks for replying to our questions. Yes, tungsten is much more expensive. The reason it is attractive is it weighs 1204 lbs/cubic foot compared to lead at 708 lbs/cubic foot. Locating each metal as far from the hinge as possible also allows more weight further out with tungsten. The...
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    Tungsten Elevator Counter Weight

    All: We are looking to install tungsten elevator counter weight on our internal elevator tabs. Will require less weight than lead and would like to rivet and bond the strips to the CF internal elevator tab. We have found some NA sources of tungsten strip but it is very expensive and not...
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    Any Experience w/ Click Bond Screw Grommets?

    Billski, did you end up using these grommets? We are looking at ways to rebuild holes that have essentially worn out in cowls and other panels and considering their use in a new build for the same application. Thanks, Bob
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