Magic Hole Finder
I would like to offer one more simple method for finding hidden holes [“Finding Hidden Holes,” August 2015]: Buy a pair of 3/8 x 3/8-inch ring magnets that have a 3/16-inch hole in the middle. Place one magnet on the back side of any non-magnetic bulkhead and the other magnet will align concentrally on the blind side. Mark with a non-magnetic (i.e., stainless steel drill rod) transfer punch, and you’re done. Purchase from K&J Magnetics, part #R636, $1.28 each.
–Dave Barker
Heli-Coil Alternative
I recently read the article on the Heli-Coil [“Home Shop Machinist,” July 2015] as a thread reinforcer or replacer. I have had good results with Time-Serts (www.timesert.com). I use them exclusively in my Porsche for areas that strip out. I have found them to be, in my applications, far superior to Heli-Coils for repairs of threads. Just wanted to pass along another alternative.
–Jeff Spahn
Builders are always looking for alternatives, and we encourage everyone to research what works best for their particular application.—Ed.
Hints and Kinks
Thank you for an excellent magazine. I read it cover to cover every month. In the July issue, Jim Weir asked if we prefer multiple short tips in his “Aero ‘lectrics” column, or the entire column dedicated to one subject. I do enjoy the “hints and kinks” columns he does, rather than dedicated columns to one subject, but they are all good. Please encourage him to write more of those “hints and kinks” columns. Thanks!
–David Mulholland
We’ve passed your thoughts on to Jim. We’re never sure what is going to come out of his workshop or computer next, but like you, we almost always find the results to be interesting! —Ed.
SubSonex and Blriot
August was another great issue! I was particularily impressed with the article on the SubSonex practical jet positioned right next door to the article on the 1909 Blriot XI. Wonderful. The tech articles were also really good and helpful. Thanks for a great magazine with very fine articles and information.
–Steve Neal
We hoped readers would enjoy the juxtaposition of the old and the new—the entire spectrum of Experimental aviation!—Ed.
More Beachballs
I read the letter in the July issue asking about “Beachball.” My guess is that the term for frequency 123.45 MHz (or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) is how a beachball is counted as it is being bounced around a group on the beach or in the pool. Just my guess!
–Dan Giebel
Thanks for all the letters we received on this. Several readers also mentioned the term “fingers.” When counting on your fingers, you would say “one, two, three, four, five,” hence 123.45 MHz. If you hear “fingers,” you go to the frequency to talk—or maybe not. For Jim Weir’s thoughts on the use of the frequency, see this month’s Aero ‘lectrics column.—Ed.
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