[Heathkit] shipping.. an old sore spot

[rbethman]

Walt,

<My $0.02>

The method you described is precisely the method I used to send a Heath 
HERO Robot to the left coast.
However, the expanding "Stuff" was my kit of the two chemicals purchased 
locally here in Virginia.

I mix them in large cups, follow the instructions, stir them until they 
start to "bubble", then pour into bags that are strategically placed 
under, around, and over the item being shipped.

There is NO requirement for licensing to purchase the chemicals.  At the 
worst, they can be procured from Aircraft Spruce and Specialty.  (Hope I 
didn't mangle the name!)  It was in building home-built aircraft that 
lead to the discovery.

There ARE things to be paid "close" attention to, such as "pot" times 
and temperatures.  Especially in an Aircraft construction use!  Not to 
mention ALL the photos, logs, and building notes required to get them 
FAA certified.

Besides, - I - am going to fly it!  So I will NOT take ANY shortcuts! 
<When YOUR butt is at stake, you look at things differently!>  I've also 
flown the SU-29 Sukhoi.

I agree that markings simply make it an "automatic" target!  I've 
shipped items that literally cost $K across the country.

NO markings, BUT definitively insured!  ( Try a 7 cylinder radial engine 
package for R/C aircraft WITH exhaust collector! ).  It arrived in the 
same condition that it was packed in.

Bob - N0DGN

On 11/2/2010 2:40 PM, Walt dabell wrote:
> <Insert $0.02>  :-)
>
> Being involved with computers and field operations in the past,
> I've seen a lot of different shipments from several shippers.
> While 99% arrive fine, most of them are not as heavy as old boat
> anchors. I have had some candid talks with the UPS and FedEx guys
> and all of them say the words "fragile" and "This End Up" mean
> it's time to play soccer. They were serious!! He said you should
> never mark it fragile, just insure the heck out of it.
>
> Packing _is_ the key, but buying something from ebay or whatever,
> you got to know it is not going to be packed with care.
>
> My favorite lack of packing example is when I ordered lawnmower
> blades from sears. They threw the three blades in a box 5-times
> too big and taped it up. Didn't tape the blades together, didn't
> wrap the blades. Three bouncing blades in a box... I actually
> did receive all three in what was left of the original box, full
> of holes and all.
>
> I LIKE Bob's idea about the expanding foam, but argue that it, or
> something very much like it is available to the general public.
> It's called "stuff" (probably has other names) and it is available
> at the local hardware store. It is used to seal cracks in houses
> around windows and walls, etc.
>
> Here's an idea...
>
> I have never tried this before, but have received heavy equipment
> packed this way... Sort of... Putting a large plastic bag in a
> heavy cardboard box, put down a few Styrofoam or foam feet to sit
> the wrapped-in-a-bag radio on, then unloading a couple/few cans of
> "stuff" into the space between the two bags should make a solid but
> gentle shipping container. Keep in mind the "stuff" expands a lot,
> quickly, so make sure you have a sturdy enough box(s) to hold the
> pressure and seal it(them) up before it is done expanding.
>
> Anybody try this with a home shipment before?
>
> </end insert $0.02>
>
>      Walt Dabell - W3WMD