Note: This is a 100 foot spool of pre-taped braid. Braid length will vary slightly from one roll to the next (+/- 2%). All pre-taped braid is made-to-order - please allow 1-2 week lead time when planning your project.
A Slot Car Corner exclusive - we've just made braiding a slot car track even easier!! We now offer our high-quality 1/4" wide tinned copper (non-magnetic) braid pre-taped. We start by removing any residue leftover from the braid manufacturing process - this ensures the best possible adhesion when the tape is applied. Our pre-taped braid is a real time saver - depending on your track configuration, this can save you several hours of work (the more corners in your layout, the more time pre-taped braid will save you) and achieve a better finished result. Using our pre-taped braid, once you have routed and painted your gains, you are ready to start braiding!!
We use only high-quality, 1/4" wide tinned copper braid (non-magnetic) that is approximately .024" - .026" thick (refer to the tab labeled "FAQ" for more information). This braid provides excellent electrical connectivity with very high "ampacity" (safe current carrying capacity). In contrast, copper tape is less expensive; however, it has several drawbacks including limited ampacity, sensitivity to changing temperature and humidity, breakage, wear, lifting, and electrical connectivity issues). The pre-taped braid we offer is fully compatible with other track braiding products we offer including special router bits, braid termination kits and braid rollers. Our pre-taped braid is spooled on high-quality, heavy duty plastic spools which provide excellent protection during shipment and handling.
Note #1:
Most rolls of pre-taped braid are one continuous length (piece) of braid; however, it is possible to have rolls with 2 pieces. Therefore, when installing braid, please note the following:
- If you plan to install the braid directly from the spool, you may reach the end of a length of braid before reaching the end of the current section of track you are braiding. Should this happen, simply drill a 1/4" hole in the gain so there will still be at least 10-12" of the current piece of braid to "drop" through the hole. Insert the first 10-12" of braid from the next piece of braid into the hole and continue braiding. The ends of the two pieces of braid that were "dropped" under the table can be connected using an electrical wire nut.
- If you want to ensure you have enough braid for the next section of track you will be braiding, you will need to measure how much braid is required (don't forget to leave 10-12" on both ends for your "drops"). Once you have determined the length of braid required, measure and cut a piece of braid from the spool.
- In general, if you are braiding long segments of track (30+'), the first method described above (working directly from the spool) is easier to use. If you are planning to braid shorter lengths of track (or the track is broken up into individual sections which will be braided individually), either method can be used. If you don't want additional "drops" within a given segment, use the second method.
- Braid length will vary slightly from one roll to the next (+/- 2%).
Note #2:
Installation tips:
- Once the tape backing is removed, avoid touching it with your fingers!! The tape will stick to your fingers (or anything else it might come in contact with) which will cause it to stretch and/or pull away from the braid. If this happens, you will need to remove the damaged tape and splice in a new length of tape (refer to instructions later in this note).
- We STRONGLY recommend using 2 people when installing the pre-taped braid. One person installs the braid while the second person peels the paper backing from the tape and "feeds" the first person braid. As the second person feeds braid, keep it elevated - this will prevent the exposed tape from making premature contact with the gain (or track surface) until the first person is ready to position it and press it into place.
- Once the braid is placed in the gain, do NOT lift it back up to reposition it unless absolutely necessary. Doing so may cause the braid and tape to separate and/or stretch (i.e. some of the tape may remain attached to the gain). If this happens, don't panic - repairing (splicing) it is easy. Use a pair of sharp scissors to cutout any tape that has separated and/or stretched. Using small roll of tape (remnant) included with your order, cut a piece of fresh tape about 2 inches longer than the section of tape you just removed. Carefully place the tape in the gain so roughly 1 inch will overlap the "gap" where the tape was removed from the braid. Once pressed in the gain, remove the tape backing to expose the "upper" side of the tape. Slowly work the braid in place over the section of tape. Continue installing the braid as you normally would.
*** Shipping Charges - Please Read ***
USPS Priority Mail (domestic) or USPS Priority Mail International (international) only. USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate services will be used whenever possible to minimize shipping costs.
FAQ
- Q) How thick is this braid? A) The manufacturer's specification data for this braid indicates the thickness is .030"; however, actual thickness is typically between .024" - .026".
- Q) How deep should the braid recess ("gain") be? A) Braid should be recessed slightly - generally between .010" to .020" below the racing surface. To set the router bit depth, follow these steps:
- Use a scrap piece of MDF. Route a test slot 12 - 18 inches long.
- Set the router bit that will cut the recess to a depth of .040"
- Route a test recess.
- Place a piece of track braid in the test recess.
- The top of the braid should be .010" to .020" below the MDF surface.
- Adjust the router bit depth and route another test slot (if necessary) and test gain.
- Repeat until the desired braid recess is achieved.