Shipping
Q: Why is shipping so expensive?
A: Larger lighter items such as the sheets of EPP foam are not shipped by weight, but instead shipped by what UPS and other carriers call dimensional weight (UPS link here). The reason for doing it this way, as it was explained to me, is due to the shipping zones in relation to where the package originates and the destination. If the box needs to traverse several zones, the package will take up space on an airplane or truck and has an added surcharge due to the size regardless of weight.
The good news, Wind Catcher RC signed a contract with UPS to reduce the shipping costs. UPS recognizes the lighter packages are easily handled in their facilities, thereby giving us a slight price reduction that we pass on to our customers.
If you are purchasing accessories with foam, it is best to split your order into two separate orders. Have your foam and carbon fiber be shipped in one box. Then create a second order to have accessories shipped in a smaller box. Separating large items from small items can save you on shipping costs.
Q: Is there any way to get cheaper shipping?
A: UPS advised if you ship to a place of business, there is a better chance of having a cheaper shipping rate.
If you have your own UPS or USPS account, I will work with you to ship using your account. Contact me to work out the details.
Q: Do you offer local pickup?
A: Yes! We do offer local pickup. We do not list it in the shopping cart because of how our plugin works to sort shipping prices. Everyone is welcome to contact us for local pickup to save on shipping costs.
NOTE: We are located in Tecumseh, Michigan, about 1 hour NW from Toledo, Ohio, and 1 hour west of Detroit, MI. If you pre-order, I can deliver your foam to you at the Toledo Swap Meet in April.
Q: Will you have a booth or sell at any events?
A: Yes, we will be at the Toledo Swap Meet every year they have it. We may attend other events through the year. Feel free to contact us about your event.
Q: What is UPS Surepost?
A: UPS Surepost is a service for smaller packages where UPS handles the package as far as possible, sometimes to the end customer. In many cases UPS will hand the package off to USPS for the final leg for delivery. When this happens, UPS Tracking should have a note advising what is the USPS tracking information.
Q: My order was damaged. How do we deal with this?
A: Please keep all packing material, box, and contents of the package. We need pictures showing all the damage, packing material, and contents. When taking pictures, please take photos of three sides of the box, then flip it over and get a picture of the other three sides. Keep everything in case the shipping service (UPS or USPS) requires inspection of the package. Wind Catcher RC will file a claim on your behalf. If accepted, we will offer to refund for the claim amount or send you replacements for the items in the claim.
FOAM
Q: What is EPP?
A: EPP = Expanded PolyPropylene.
It is a durable and light closed cell foam which is great for use in crafts and RC aircraft. EPP can handle a significant amount of abuse before it fails. If used for RC aircraft, it typically requires reinforcement with something like Carbon Fiber. You can find our CF HERE.
Q: Do you sell XPS?
A: XPS = Extruded PolyStyrene. Lowe’s, Menards, or Home Depot insulation foam sold in sheets. Colors will vary depending on who is selling it.
We currently do not sell XPS in sheets. My source of XPS is currently Lowe’s insulation foam. I also found that Lowe’s XPS is not consistent and sometimes has voids inside the foam. It is great for any thing over 1/4″ thick. Wing cores stand up to some abuse. XPS repairs easy with Gorilla Glue or hot glue. It is also easy to sand and cover with various films.
Q: Do you sell Depron?
A: Currently we do not have any Depron. I recommend contacting www.rcdepron.com. Depron is a name brand of XPS (Extruded PolyStyrene).
Q: How do you repair the foam?
A: Choose your adhesives wisely. Always test on a small piece of scrap foam before you commit to using an adhesive without knowing the effect on the foam. Some adhesives will chemically react destructively with the foam. We found the foaming polyurethane glues such as Gorilla Glue white or brown work great with EPP and XPS. Hot glue also works great and is quicker. Be careful in climates where the glue might get soft in the sun or a hot car.
When working with a polyurethane glue such as Gorilla Glue keep in mind the purpose of the glue. If you are using it as a gap filler, add a few drops of water to promote foaming to fill the gaps. If you are using the glue as an adhesive, add no water at all to get maximum adhesion. If you live in a very dry climate, simply breathing on the glue a few times will add enough moisture to act as a catalyst to cure the glue. It takes longer to setup and cure, but it will hold much better than if it foamed up a lot and filled with air.
Note: Gorilla now has a clear non-foaming glue. We have not tested this yet.
CUSTOM WING CORES
Q: Do you cut custom wing cores?
A: Yes, please contact us to work out the details. The CNC I am using has a 4′ x 2′ bed with both a mill and a hotwire capable of tapered cuts. I am able to get within .0625″ (1/16″) within spec and sometimes even closer.