Hi

I haven't bought my stuff yet and was wondering if a cordless drill can be used as a starter motor? I have one and it has 3 batteries. This way i would have a starter motor and a 12 volt battery for my glow plug igniter.

What do you think and has any one done it before?

Regards Joker94<br type="_moz" />

That's getting a bit big and clumsy, especially when you're also trying to hold the plane and trying to be wary of the prop at the same time.

Dedicated starters aren't that terribly expensive, and it's a one time investment. I'm still using the same one I bought almost 20 years ago, and it's doing fine. All you'll have to do is change out the foam cup once in a while.

I found i could use my cordless drill, but not my son-in-laws... mine was $200.00, and has a fast rpm. His was $30.00 and will turn it but not fast enough to start the engine. I have less in my cordless hobbico starter than he does in a drill.
dan

Lots of people have tried it...it may work on your engine, if so fine, if not, then you need a starter motor,,,or a "chicken stick" for that matter....could be a fellow flyer at your field has an extra....once an engine is broken in good, its pretty easy to start up....Rog

Two major problems already mentioned and that is They simply are geared two low and don,t turn fast enough.

While yes folks have used them even though they are to slow to be very practical but there is a critical problem you cannot get around, that is the pistol grip makes its use even dangerous and it cannot possibly be used one handed this will bit you at some point. Its far too awkward.

John

Welcome to the RCU forums, Joker!

Read thru this:

http://www.gettingairborne.com/engines.html

Thanks every one, i think i will go for the dedicated motor.<div>
</div><div>Any recommendations for my motor i should include in my field pack.</div>

John, I fly with several guys that are using electric drills for starters and I have even borrowed one to start my G-62, they work great but I never bothered to look to see what make or model they were. I'm quite sure they cost more then the 30 beans mentioned though. I never noticed the shape or location of the pistol grip at all being a problem. Every time I go into one of the big hardware stores I look for them on sale, you know, the $200.00 drills for the $30.00 price, so far no luck but I keep looking.

GB since this is the beginners forum I am not speaking of G-62's or any giant stuff, Those are not at issue here and anyone who with any common since is going to two hand their starters no matter what kind.


However in the beginner context any typical .20-.40-60 size airplanes the fellows will be using their starter one handed (even if they have restraint by a helper or safety table) and holding the airplane with the other. No matter how much you suggest to always have a helper and to always two hand the starter they are going to end up one handing their starter. Just peruse You tube and that is imediately obvious and enforces what I see almost every day at the field.

Now any ordinary pistol grip drill or screwgun is an ergonomic nightmare when it is attempted to be used one handed at this unatural angle (and it will) to start our typical small glow or large glow engines for that matter. They are outright dangerous when used in this manner easily becoming wrist breakers and I always suggest that it is a very bad idea or investment.


John

Ihave worn out 2 starters. But then again IHave started hundreds of engines

Joker94,

The only engines that I use an electric starter on are .049 and smaller. All others are started using a chicken stick.

Glow fuel engines, 2 and 4-stroke, are started by bumping the prop against the rotational direction. Here are the basic steps:

1. Prime the engine.
2. Rotate prop clockwise untill compression is felt. Rotate a few degrees back.
3. Attach glow driver.
4. Using a chicken stick, bump against the compression. The engine should fire and keep running.

IMHO more model engines have been ruined by electric starters than crashes.

Bliksem