7 replies to this topic

[Bishop]

I was wondering if anybody experemented with keeping stefans straight with some sorta spray like hairspray or somthing else or if it exists, spray on glue. The only problem I see with this is that the spray might change the friction between the dart and barrel for better or worse.

[Kuhlschrank]

I've never heard of anyone using a spray.
Most of the LCM uses heat to straighten them. If your making a couple darts you can use a hairdryer, or if you're gearing up for a big war, toss a bag in the dryer on low for a few minutes, check them periodically so that they dont melt all over your dryer.

[MattPaintballer]

I use megas, and toss 2-foot lengths of 5/8" foam in the dryer on high for about a minute. I only put in 1 piece at a time because I have to stretch the foam afterwards, which I do by just tugging it while it's hot.

[Bishop]

toss a bag in the dryer on low for a few minutes

Plastic bag or paper or does it not matter?

[Kuhlschrank]

toss a bag in the dryer on low for a few minutes

Plastic bag or paper or does it not matter?

Oh sorry, I meant the quantity, not the item itself. I cut the darts into 2-2.5 inch strips and dump them in the dryer. I dont throw any bag into the dryer. Sometimes TIS throws a shirt or two to keep the dryer from getting foam all over it.

[Langley]

I've always gotten bad results with the dryer method. It straightens them perfectly, but it puffs some of them out so you get inconsistent widths on your darts. I usually just leave a few lengths of foam out in my garage, usually in the groove along the side of a big aluminum ladder with a block of wood to hold it down.

[kickass jb]

Yea I believe it was CX who told me his way and I've used it ever since. I just bought about 100' of 1/2" PVC and shoved the 1/2" FBR in there and toss it up in the rafters of my shed. The PVC is tight enough to straighten them but not tight enough to get it stuck. So after making my original amount of darts, I just take down 10' at a time as I need it. Out of all the methods I've tried (hair dryer, dryer, my hands, cold water, nailing them tight, hanging them with weights, and PVC) PVC has worked the best all around.

Edited by kickass_jb, 15 May 2005 - 06:18 PM.

[navy seal]

I stretch my 1/2 in. foam by running it through my hands or cpvc. I make a fist and pull it through or I take a 1 in. peice of cpvc and run the foam through that(it does the same thing as your hands without getting friction burn)This way stretchs it 3-4 in. and makes it straight at the same time.