If I go out and spend 23.00+ on a CG machine will I get my $'s worth? I've been flying for 3+ years and have always balanced my planes using my trusty ol' fingers. A friend of mine swears by his CG machine.

Just wondering what you all use? For those of you who have the CG machines, how often do you use them after the inital CG check?

Hi, i dont have CG machine too, i adjust the CG with my fingers and its just perfect, but if you want a CG machine and dont want to spend money, just build one like a friend did it! He grabs a piece of wood, he glues 2 pencils up side down (rubber up) he sharpes the rubber, and... thats perfect And i can guarantee that is as perfect as you buy in the store

Scolpit
Portugal

IMHO, it's a waste of money. I use a bit of scrap wood with two wood dowls sticking up and pencil eraser caps stuck on the end. Quick and easy.

Oh, and I zip-tie a couple of magnets from the hardward store on to the dowls and have a pair of closer together holes that allows the magnets to hold my cheapo finger-held prop balancer floating in the air for a cheap and accurate prop balancer that is just as good as the expensive top flight (I think?) jobbie.

I have one and you couldn't pry it from my cold dead hands. It's a great product that will balance just about any size plane, I even balanced my 100" Stinson on it. I like the ruler on it so you know that your CG is where it suppose to be.

Interesting replies. Hey Mont, I have the same prop balancer set up as you do, just haven't expanded it to include the CG setup. Now, if I could only find me a couple of those erasers.

thanks for replying guys,

Does anyone make a balancer for lateral balance ? I know the old trick of using the prop shaft and a pin in the vertical stabilizer but I still think there should be a better way. I too made a balancer by using dowels and eraser tips. Cheapo but it works just fine. I bought a GP prop balancer. I should have thought more clearly and made one the same way we did in the 30's. Four single edge razor blades in two V shapes on a pair of sticks. Round dowel or tubing through the prop hub. It's a lot simpler and uses scrap on hand.

I like mine too, and if you like to know where is exactly the cg, this is the way to go.

I have one and would not use any other way to balance a plane. I have used this on about 20 planes in the last two years. Every size from 1/4 scale Cub to a 12th scale combat plane. The only plane I had trouble balancing on it was my ultimate bipe. It would just not fit on the balancer because of the top wing. (balanced upside down). I would recomend this tool to anyone. It is worth every penny and you can use it forever>

Rick

I have one and really like the precision. It was worth $20 to me rather than taking the time to make one of my own. As others have said there is no rocket science to it. I would say that if you don't make something then you should go ahead and buy one. The precision it affords is nice.

I too have one and LOVE it......sure beats using your fingers when shifting batteries around

Jerry

I have one, but only use it off and on. I seem to be quite comfortable with balancing on my fingertips, and it's quicker and easier.

Oh, and I've re-checked with the CG machine and my fingers are pretty accurate!
Dennis-