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Old 05-24-2019, 06:20 AM
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Rktman Rktman is offline
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Default Trimming weight tip

Ever get tired of having your trimming clay dry out and flake/chip off over time, even when smeared with CA? A more permanent solution is self-adhesive lead tape, a product that is used to adjust the swing qualities of tennis racquets, golf clubs, etc. Since it has to stay stuck on despite the extreme impact of racquets or club heads they have a very strong adhesive.

Once I know how much clay is needed on the forward or aft end of a glider, I’ll take it off and weigh it on a gram scale, then *replace it with an equal weight of lead tape. They come in a variety of widths, thicknesses, and weights (1 gram, 2 gram, etc.) and make for a nice, neat application that stays put. (You can find a huge variety on Amazon, just do a search for “lead tape”).

You can still use tiny smears of clay if your glider needs re-trimming due to temperature and humidity changes. You can use nail clippers to remove bits of lead tape if need be, but I rarely have to, finding that only tiny dots of clay are needed to make adjustments. That way I can add/remove the clay whenever necessary because it’s not permanent.

*It’s a good idea to do a trimming flight or two to see how your glider flies before swapping out the clay for the lead tape.

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Old 05-24-2019, 08:32 AM
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LeeR LeeR is offline
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Good substitute!

If you prefer to stick with clay (unintentional pun...) you can buy a huge block of Plasticene (I think a pound) at Hobby Lobby for a few dollars. Comes in a variety of colors. Mine is over a year old and still pliable.
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Old 05-24-2019, 06:42 PM
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mojo1986 mojo1986 is offline
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That's great information. Thanks!
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Old 05-24-2019, 08:56 PM
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tbzep tbzep is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LeeR
you can buy a huge block of Plasticene

Picture yourself on a train in a station
With plasticine porters with looking glass ties
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Old 05-24-2019, 11:55 PM
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LeeR LeeR is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tbzep
Picture yourself on a train in a station
With plasticine porters with looking glass ties


Suddenly someone is there at the turnstile
The girl with kaleidoscope eyes

(I love duets ...)
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