We want to share this wonderful stuff with our fellow modelers
Willing to Trade:
No
Item Description:
Building time is here. WE need to get those planes balanced.
I like to think of our Steel Powder as the opposite of micro balloons, although, unlike micro balloons, it actually strengthens the epoxy it is mixed with. It is actually a very fine, almost dust steel powder. The density makes it so nice for our use, and is the reason it mixes so well. It sticks well to whatever it is applied to because it is epoxy base. It 'layers' very well also as you add batches to achieve your balance.
Use 15 or 20 minute epoxy for plenty of time to thoroughly mix the batch. Keep adding the powder until the batch takes on a dull appearance and is the consistency of paste, and you have enough powder in the mix. It will still be fluid enough to pour into cowl rings, or into the nose of your fuselage. It can also be brushed on. I like to set the cowl on it's nose, pour the Steel Powder mix into the ring and let it level itself.
It can also be poured into paper form made out paper towel rolls, for instance, and then after cured, it can be sliced in a band saw or cut by hand into wafers of weight that can be attached with screws. No heat, and no dangerous fumes as with lead.
The formed batch can easily be drilled, sawed, even drilled and taped. It does not clog tools like the soft lead will.
I find that USPS flat rate shipping boxes works great for distributing Powder. I get 7lbs per box. For this I ask $18.20 per box and that includes the shipping to anywhere in the lower 48. I can ship out of the country, but the weight limit becomes 4lbs per box, and the shipping cost goes up. Please ask for an exact quote for international shipments.
The price has seen a modest increase over the last couple years but this is due to the increase in packaging and shipping.
Unfortunately, I can not combine orders to and save shipping. It needs to ship in the small USPS flat rate box for the most economical shipping cost.
Pay-pal is fine and I never add a % to those who use it. Other forms of payment are fine as well. Specify when ordering.
Joined: 8/17/2002
Last login: 6/17/2013 2:40:PM
Location: OH, USA
SELLER REPLY:
Just was informed that a modeler received his shipment. Thing is, it had been cut open, and when they did, they cut into the pouch and the whole mess was put in what looked like a Walmart bag, and delivered to him that way.
Joined: 4/11/2005
Last login: 6/18/2013 1:17:PM
Location: LA, USA
Gary,
I got my bag in today, looks like half it leaked out or something. I think you should send them inside a sealed jar the ziplock bags seal isn't strong enough to keep all of it in.
I'm surprised USPS didn't keep it thinking it was black power or something.
Joined: 8/17/2002
Last login: 6/17/2013 2:40:PM
Location: OH, USA
SELLER REPLY:
I'll send you another box. Sorry for the loss. In two years+, I have had shipments not show at all, and I think at least some were because of overly paranoid postal workers as you alluded to, but this is the first time a partial box was delivered.
Also, were it not for the small flat rate USPS box, I would not be able to offer this material for anything even close to what guys would pay. ALL of the shipments that go out would cost much more than they do, in some other container, and via some other shipping method. An average of about $25 in shipping, instead of the $5.85 you guys pay. In some cases, shipping would be over $40. remember, all these boxes weigh a little over 7lbs. Therefore, shipping in some other container is simply not an option, the material is just too heavy. Would you pay over $35 instead of the $18.20 I ask now? I explored all my shipping options before I ever made the first shipment, and this was the only way I could do it. I works well the vast majority of the time. Fortunately, what happened to you is far and away the exception, and not the rule.
Joined: 9/4/2003
Last login: 5/20/2013 4:58:PM
Location: NV, USA
i need quite a bit of weight to the nose of a glider. how would your product work if i filled the nose with your steel epoxy, then wrapped my battery with plastic wrap with vaseline and then pushed it into the mix using all possible space. Then pull the battery out prior to final set?
Joined: 8/17/2002
Last login: 6/17/2013 2:40:PM
Location: OH, USA
SELLER REPLY:
Our powder is about 25% less weight by volume than lead. But, when you factor in the space you loose surrounding the lead shot or other lead weights, it still takes up no more space. Plus, it can be easily flowed into shapes and spaces that it would be difficult to use lead in. All this with no heat, as in melting lead, with it's dangerous fumes.
All that being said, if a guy wants to add lead to the mix, no problem.
Joined: 8/17/2002
Last login: 6/17/2013 2:40:PM
Location: OH, USA
SELLER REPLY:
I think your idea would work fine. I don't think you would need the vaseline though. The mix does not expand. If you wrapped the battery in foam, and then covered it with stretch wrap, or packing tape, when the mix set, I think you would easily be able to slide your battery out.
