Tools

15:1 Ratio Winder $20.00

Built by K & P in England (smooth, high quality - yellow) and is the winder of choice of most top competitors. A quality winder is essential to “feel” the torque of the rubber while winding to achieve maximum performance. Shown is the 15:1 Ratio Winder preferred by AIRPLANE FLYERS that use thinner rubber motors usually less than .109”. Notice that it can be identified by the blue tip at the output shaft.

Scale $22.00

This large platform Mini Digital Scale is accurate to .01 gram with a maximum capacity of 500 grams. It is excellent for evaluating the weight of individual pieces of balsa as well as completed weight of your model. But you may find its primary use is weighing rubber to make motors, as this must be done accurately in order to expect consistency. Plastic cover doubles as handy weighing tray. Bright LCD read out. Comes with AAA batteries.

Digital Winder Counter $19.00

This kit provides a laser-cut frame and all the components needed to add a digital counter to your K & P Winder.

The counter has an auto on function when used and an auto-off after about 3.5 minutes of non-use. A simple push of the button re-sets to zero. This counter does not reverse the count when going backward, each time the cam goes past the micro switch, a count will register.

It includes the counter, laser-cut components, micro-switch, hook-up wire, mounting hardware and full instructions. This kit WILL REQUIRE SOLDERING four simple connections. Super glue (not included) is best to assemble frame. This does NOT INCLUDE the winder and would need to be purchased separately.

Pitch Gauge $6.00

Designed to be used with the Ikara propeller assemblies but also valuable for measuring tip angles of helicopter rotors (shown in helicopter instruction sheets). Remove your propeller from the airplane and slip into this gauge to accurately measure pitch (angle) of the propeller blades after bending the plastic hub for adjustment.

Helicopters can benefit by matching the angle of each blade on a rotor to the others to avoid wobbling, increase stability and help insure a vertical flight up to the ceiling.

For airplanes, this is an important tool to maximize flight performance by matching your propeller blade angles to each other as well as to measure any pitch changes. The pitch angle can be altered to work best with the rubber size that you are using for the size of the building that you are flying in.

Torque Meter $39.00

This tool is valuable to quantify how much torque is in your wound rubber motor. It is always best to wind off of the airplane to avoid damage if the motor should break while winding. This tool is used by hooking one end of the rubber to the meter and the other to your winder, then stretch wind to maximum torque, reading the scale on its face to observe the inch ounces of torque applied. If the rubber breaks, you learned from the experience and nothing else was broken.

It is also valuable to observe the torque left after de-winding to control altitude or the negative high torque launch issues at launch. Can help to build confidence and consistency.

Comes with a winder box to hold out yellow K & P winder (Winder NOT included). It has all hardware for mounting to a board (NOT included - shown is a 1 x 3 x 33"). Requires minor assembly by all wires are pre-bent and soldered.

CAUTION: This tool was developed for rubber .125" and less. Limit maximum torque to 1.5 inch/ounces as higher torque can damage the rather thin .020" interior wire, Wear a glove on your hand holding the winder as well as safety glasses for protection.

5" Locking Forceps - $5.00 each

This is the perfect tool for grasping the O-rings at the ends of a tightly wound rubber motor to enable readily loading onto the helicopter. With the higher torques used on these helicopters, fingers are not usually strong enough. Having two of these forceps is highly recommended.