Nigel Heather Posted May 14, 2023 Share Posted May 14, 2023 Have a plane to build that uses wing bands. Haven't used wing bands for decades and then they came with the kit. This time I have to buy them - is there a good rule of thumb of what length to buy - obviously shorter than the distance over the wing between the dowels but how much by? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Davis 2 Posted May 14, 2023 Share Posted May 14, 2023 How about 50% shorter than the chord? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piers Bowlan Posted May 14, 2023 Share Posted May 14, 2023 I expect you know Nigel but SLEC sell quality wing bands of all sizes. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Fry Posted May 14, 2023 Share Posted May 14, 2023 It depends on the tension the band exerts, thick bands will not crush or break a big strong wing. Not so a weaker wing. Rough guess, measure the distance from the dowel position, round the wing, and then to the second dowel position. Get a band of about 70% of that distance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatMc Posted May 14, 2023 Share Posted May 14, 2023 Don't put up with a free flight legacy, convert the model to proper bolt down fixing with screw(s) & dowel(s). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J D 8 Posted May 14, 2023 Share Posted May 14, 2023 Flying hand launch from rough fields you cant beat wing bands for saving damage when a wing tip is caught on landing and tries to twist of, may bust the bands some times but usual to just twist out of place. As Don says nice wide bands about 3/4 total distance between dowels over the wing. My Fun Gus 3c fun fly on the lawn, only two bands just for the pic. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Engine Doctor Posted May 14, 2023 Share Posted May 14, 2023 Look on ebay. There are some decent coloured bands on there at resonable prices. And in a wide range of sizes. Bought some blue ones for the Elf im just finishing. As said on vintage designs bands do give and prevent serious damage and plenty strong 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatMc Posted May 14, 2023 Share Posted May 14, 2023 44 minutes ago, J D 8 said: Flying hand launch from rough fields you cant beat wing bands for saving damage when a wing tip is caught on landing and tries to twist of, may bust the bands some times but usual to just twist out of place. As Don says nice wide bands about 3/4 total distance between dowels over the wing. My Fun Gus 3c fun fly on the lawn, only two bands just for the pic. I've never had problems operating models with no undercarriage & bolt on or plug in wings from rough land. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J D 8 Posted May 14, 2023 Share Posted May 14, 2023 Lucky you, this plane came down in a good bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kc Posted May 14, 2023 Share Posted May 14, 2023 Wing bolts are nicer and cheaper.........because rubber bands deteriorate quickly. I find the rubber bands on my frequently flown model last about 3 to 6 months before they go off or snap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel Heather Posted May 15, 2023 Author Share Posted May 15, 2023 18 hours ago, Piers Bowlan said: I expect you know Nigel but SLEC sell quality wing bands of all sizes. No I didn't know that. I had just been looking at my locals shop that sells lots of different sizes but not an assorted pack - so you need to know what size to buy. What I'm sure about is how much tension - the balance of tension and not crishing the wing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denis Watkins Posted May 15, 2023 Share Posted May 15, 2023 (edited) 14 minutes ago, Nigel Heather said: No I didn't know that. I had just been looking at my locals shop that sells lots of different sizes but not an assorted pack - so you need to know what size to buy. What I'm sure about is how much tension - the balance of tension and not crishing the wing. All these years for sports size 5ft - 6ft span, approx 10" chord, or other size close by have deducted 2" from the chord, so 8" bands. I have found 6 bands to be safest amount Edited May 15, 2023 by Denis Watkins 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Fry Posted May 15, 2023 Share Posted May 15, 2023 2 hours ago, Nigel Heather said: No I didn't know that. I had just been looking at my locals shop that sells lots of different sizes but not an assorted pack - so you need to know what size to buy. What I'm sure about is how much tension - the balance of tension and not crishing the wing. That is the million dollar question. And no answer. As stated above, I start from a band and out 70% of the distance it’s going to stretch to. Thin light wings, longer band. How much longer, try it out. It’s a problem with bands, once you have loads of sizes, and experience, it’s easy. In the old days every one had bands, you could scrounge. Nowadays it’s a minority interest, bolt on is normal. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert chamberlain Posted June 28, 2023 Share Posted June 28, 2023 I've always used #64 on my Bird of Time------Bob C Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J D 8 Posted June 28, 2023 Share Posted June 28, 2023 I get an assortment of bands from my Posty, the van is riddled with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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