Lead shot bags

[Av8torTom]

Van mentions use of lead shot bags to help hold parts in position while assembling (I'm working on the flaps now). Couple of questions:

1 - is this the best way to do this?
2 - what's a good source?

Thanks,

Tom

[mikehoover]

Sportings goods stores that carry hunting supplies should carry 25# bags of lead shot used for reloading shotgun shells. I broke mine up into smaller muslin bags of half size. With these bags sitting spaced out on a 2x2 length of wood you will be able to keep you flap flat against your table. Very important to have enough weight. I had a total of 75# of lead keeping my flaps flat while working with them.

[912ry]

I bought a bag of shot at the local gun shop, filled a pair
of leather gloves and sewed them up. Very handy!

[bruceh]

I used dive weights for scuba diving, just because I had them. Anything heavy will work. Books, bricks, etc.

[terrye]

I bought 3 x 25 lb lead shot bags from a firearms supplier. This stuff is not cheap! I think they were about $50/bag. I tried to see if I could get some reclaimed shot, say from a skeet range but was unable to locate a source. They were very helpful on the flaps etc and I'm glad I got them, but still amazed at the cost.

[Dave_Boxall]

I bought a 25 kg bag of sand and split it into a number of smaller plastic bags. I double bagged it & taped them up tight...

Dave

[bkthomps]

i didn't use anything and my flaps turned out fine

[Jeff A]

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...s/shotbags.php

Buy the bags from Aircraft Spruce and the shot from a local gun range. I use these on a regular basis as third hands in my day job.

[Rick6a]

Shot bags work great for any number of tasks. I have used em as a "third hand" including
holding those fuel tank skins wide open while conducting dimpling operations:

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ight=shot+bags

I use em to quickly and efficiently lower the tail for nosewheel servicing:

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ead.php?t=2105

Finally, any number of shot bags loaded aboard your RV serve as a straightforward and useful
tool for testing the CG limits during Phase 1 operations.

[kbehrent]

Another cheap option is using sand bags. I was able to buy multiple 75lb sand tubes at Home Depot, which I broke down into smaller bags. Works great and their cheap!