Ted Fancher's Precision Pro Stunt Handle

LAST EDITED ON Jul-24-03 AT 06:14 PM (CDT)
 
I've finally gotten all the parts together and kits made up for a hundred or so laser cut versions of my hard point, adjustable stunt handle. Many thanks to Mikey Pratt for doing the engineering and CAD work and finding good laser cutters.

These handles are perfect copies of the handle I've been using since 1995 and with which I've won two Walker Cups and numerous other nats placings. They are more or less cosmetic duplicates of the old EZ-Just Hot Rock without the cable. Instead, each arm of the handle has a laser cut steel "L" shaped bracket which slides within a core of the handle and is clamped in place by two 4-40 bolts and blind mounting nuts. These slide in and out to allow neutral setting and have multiple finely spaced holes for line attachment. The special line connectors to fit in the small 0.70" dia holes are included.

The handles come in two sizes, a standard Hot Rock size and, for those whose hands just won't fit in a Hot Rock, a "+" version which is one half inch wider in the grip area. The handles are made from three sheets of plywood...one 1/16" and two 1/8"...in the core and 1/4" balsa triplers on each side. The grip size can be increased about 1/8" by removing a sixteenth of so from each arm at the top and bottom of the grip area. I mention this because I feel it is very important that the grip size is no larger than necessary to allow the hand to grip it. Some contact should always be maintained between the up and down arms and the top of the index finger and bottom of the pinkie. This is an important part of what makes the handle a precision device rather than a broom stick with wires attached.

I suggest the competitive flyer have a dedicated handle for each airplane in his stable. Build and paint the handle at the same time you finish the airplane. You'll be glad you did. The handles come with all hardware needed to assemble as well as with material for a safety thong. Assembly time is less than a half hour and finish can be as simple or imaginative as you wish.

The handles are available by mail order only. Price is $25.00 each plus $3.00 shipping and handling, check or money order. Order four or more and I'll pay the shipping. Be sure to specify whether you prefer the standard or "+" size version.

I currently have about 75 handles left after sales at the nats. If, by any chance demand should exceed those on hand I will either back order or return any order I am unable to ship within a day of receipt of the order. Be sure to include your address and phone number so that I can contact you in that event.

Order from:
Ted Fancher c/o
Precision Pro CL Stunt Products
158 Flying Cloud Isle
Foster City, CA 94404

Ted

p.s. I'm working on getting some pictures which I'll append to this ad when I can get them ready.

Here is a picture of Crist Rigotti's rendition of Ted's handle painted a bright red.

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Matt bought one of these at the Nats and plans to get a few more.

Ted, you might as well order a second hundred made up. I expect these to sell out. Of course, everyone who buys one is going to increase his score by about 25 points, so you had better watch out.

Check's in the mail, Ted.
Kelvin

I'd like to advise anyone who orders the handles that checks and money orders should be made out to Ted Fancher or to Ted Fancher/Precision Pro CL Stunt Products. I apologize for not making that clear in the ad. Will save me some hassle with the bank persons!

Ted,

For the benefit of those of us who have never held a Hot Rock, what exactly is the width of the grip area on your standard model?

Thanks,
Mike Wisnieski

>Ted,
>
>For the benefit of those of us who have never held a Hot
>Rock, what exactly is the width of the grip area on your
>standard model?
>
>Thanks,
>Mike Wisnieski

Hi Mike,

The Hot Rock inner dimension (and my standard model) is exactly three inches. The plus size version is 3.5".

I would reiterate, however, that it is not desireable to have a loose fit. The hand should fit snuggly inside the up and down arms so that minor control corrections can be made by nudges up and down with the index finger and pinkie. The other reason for a snug fit is to insure you always grip the handle in precisely the same location relative to the up and down lines.

In other words, go to the larger version only if you've got a pretty large hand. The standard version (since the non-hardware parts are all wood) can be enlarged about 1/16" top and bottom by removing that much material from the up and down arms without jeopardizing the structural integrity of the handle.

Hope this helps

LAST EDITED ON Aug-01-03 AT 03:09 PM (CDT)
 
>The Hot Rock inner dimension (and my standard model) is
>exactly three inches. The plus size version is 3.5".

Yo, Ted: My hand measures 3 7/8 across the widest part of the palm. I presume I would need to go to a large handle? This gets realy complicated, doesn't it?

Ted,

Another check for you is in the mail.

Thanks,

Ron

Thanks, Ron.

Ted,

I sent a message via the board message system, but you've not replied. Perhaps it didn't reach you.

Could you give me a price for 6 to Australia.

email me at

[email protected]

Ted,

Guess I should let you know I am ordering four standard size handles. I still have my old Hot Rock and it's a little tight, but I think it would be easier to grind a few millimeters out of the standard size than to get one that's too big.

That Hot Rock sure felt a lot bigger when I was a teenager

Ron

>Ted,
>
>>
>That Hot Rock sure felt a lot bigger when I was a teenager
>
>
>Ron

Hi Ron,

Hmmmm. Like a lot of things....I mean, you know, the house you grew up in and so forth, your old bedroom, etc.

Ted:

My check for one standard size handle is in the mail.

Bill Hodges
X47 Flyers

Thanks, Bill

Ted,

Although I am not (yet I hope) at the stage of being a "competitive" (aka competent) flyer, I have a check in the mail to you for 4 of your handles.

Thanks, Alan

>Ted,
>
>Although I am not (yet I hope) at the stage of being a
>"competitive" (aka competent) flyer, I have a check in the
>mail to you for 4 of your handles.
>
>Thanks, Alan

THANKS TO YOU, ALAN. HOPE YOU'LL ENJOY THEM.

Ted,

Do you accept PayPal? If not I will send a check, I would like to purchase four handles.

Thanks!

Mike

[email protected]