I just finished building my plane and I'm at the part where I need to balance it. I would like to know the best way to try to balance the plane without having to buy any additional equipment. I have already balanced it as best as I could and found that I need to add weight to the front of the plane, and I was wondering how best I should mount the weights to the front of the plane. I was thinking about just putting some epoxy on them, but I was not sure what would be the best way to do it. Also, what type of weights I should buy. I have heard of some types of weights that you can stick on, but I am not sure if I could be sure that the weights would not fall off. Any insight on my question would be really appreciated.

Mike

before you add any weight, have you moved the battery pack and receiver as far forward as possible? It is best to avoid adding weight if possible.

If you do need to add weight, try a metal spinner, and there are also some specially made weights for the prop nut itself.

try rkramer's suggestion first,if you must add weight try to put them in a compartment so they can't move {gas tank area} if you must mount them ,then I would drill through the weight and use epoxy or if the stick on weight just stick on then mount with bolt and locknut,if wood is thick enough, same method but a wood type screw will work,seen and had stick on weight come loose,can be a bad experience

forgot part of question, lhs would carry stick on weight, also fishing weights, wheel weights etc,flatten with hammer if wrong shape.

Just use some rocks that are taped together

Hey Mike 2002: Try to avoid adding useless weight if at all possible. Another option might be to move the motor forward on the mounts, if there is room. Or move radio equipment, IE servos, battery, rx if well padded, forward. I personally like to keep the rx as far back as possible because it seems rare to see the tail of the plane get destroyed in a crash. But if it's well padded that 1/2 oz or however much it weighs, moved forward as far as possible, inside the fuse. might be just what the rc GODS ordered, and adequately protected. If you absolutely have to add unusable weight, I have gotten stick on weights from the tire store where I buy my tires for free. I put them as far forward as possible. I've used cable ties, and tied them to the motor mount, or epoxy, and screws to mount them on the outside of the firewall. The cowl cheeks and motor make them hardly noticeable. I wish you good luck! Always glad to help if I can. Garry

I always have a few tons of those little fishing weights called "Split-shots" in my workshop. It's easy to drop a few into the tank compartment with a little epoxy to keep them in place.

Mag wheel balance weights.

They come in 7g - 1/4 oz units.

The adhesive is permanent

Compact, convenient. Cut with wire cutters will give down to 2-3g units.

Cheap!!

Go to the LHS and check out the "Heavy Hub" prop spinner nuts. Simplest most effective way to add nose weight and they actually serve a purpose (hold the prop on)...they also give your engine a better more reliable and slower idle speed.

You talked to these guys?

http://www.richmondarearc.com/

or

http://www.rcairworld.com/default.asp

I am thinking that I will just glue the weight on or possibly look at the nut that adds weight, and I will try to stay away from the stick on weighs because I do not feel too good about them. When I balanced the plane, I found that it was about 3 ounces too light in the nose, but this was without with fuel in it. If I find out that it is perfect with fuel in it, but too light with about a half of a tank, what should I do, go for it to be nose light or nose heavy. This is one aspect that I really overlooked and am not too sure about. Thanks for all of the replies, but I would also like to have some help with this question also.

Balance without fuel.





You aren't gonna try to fly that thing by yourself, are you??

Yes! Always balance with dry tank.

Heavy hubs.. I have used them before. They will usually fit in the spinner if you are using one. There is now another similar product, Heavy backplates. 1 oz., 1.5oz, and 2oz sizes available. The great thing about these products is that they are weight that is applied as far forward as possible. That means you will need the least ballast thats possible. And yes, they do act as a fly wheel to steady the idle! They are not going to come loose. And you can make adjustments by simply changing one for another. I love them.