The 4” LOC couplers (3.90”/98mm) I ordered recently from Apogee are NOT as rigid as the ones I ordered in 2014 . The color is slightly darker too, which suggest a change in who or how they are manufactured.
They are clearly different, so either something has changed within the last couple of years or Apogee shipped something else. Don't the Stiffies go inside the coupler? (https://shop.locprecision.com/product.sc?productId=422&categoryId=-1) So that can't be what I got before.
I was asking about the 4" couplers.
Maybe I should x-post to Mid-power? Who do you think uses more 4" mid or high?
Ok... what is the issue you are having?
...just wondering what's going on?
Exactly, why the change? The weight and cost savings are negligible so why make/sell a weaker coupler?
But first I was hoping to confirm that there had indeed been a change before I contact Apogee and/or LOC.
Well thisI know....
Euclid made tubes for them, been around for 40-50 yrs or more. Last year or so, they were bought out/merged with Coburn.
Most of the personal from Euclid has taken retirement,since this deal. There are only 1-2 key people left from Euclid, & every week there are more major changes. I would not be surprised if this may effect the products. A call to Barry at LOC would be best bet for answer. Loc is only an hour from Coburn.
In Nov. I had this discussion with one of those guys still left. He's been working there 42 yrs!
This is common these days, one company buys out another for the customer base.
See post #4. LOC-Precision denies any changes. Coupler that is 15 years old matches coupler that is two years old. Maybe what you are comparing aren't two LOC couplers? A post of a comparison picture or a couple of micrometer measurements would be useful.
Nope, If you will read my posts more carefully you'll see that all the couplers I'm comparing are LESS than 2 years old. So post #4 may or may not be applicable. Jim Hendricksen's post about the change in manufacture is the right time frame "last year". Thx Jim, that's just what I was hoping for! Unfortunate that Coburn can't or won't make the product to the same specs. I'll give Apogee a call first since they may not be aware of the change. Barry if you are following... I'd gladly pay a little extra on something like tubes to make sure I get the same thing.
Anyone else noticed the change?
Jeez, now we're starting more rumors regarding "derelict suppliers." Before this thread goes down that rathole, take a micrometer out and measure the thickness of your couplers. I was surprised that the 4" coupler is substantially thinner than 3" or 5.5" and it says that right on LOC's spec sheet. If it is in fact out of spec then give Barry a call, but don't start spreading rumors that his supply chain is screwed up.
Call or Email Barry, I would almost guarantee that he wouldn't sell a inferior/out of spec product.
Rich, I don't know that I would consider it "inferior" in the way the word is typically used. The coupler is noticeably less rigid. Is there a published LOC spec for rigidity or stiffness? I guess it could be measured as deflection or compression of the coupler?
It's not a "rumor" in that the couplers are different. They clearly are. I noticed a difference just unpacking the latest shipment and only then decided to compare them. It is a disappointment to think you are purchasing one thing, but then receive something that is not quite as good.
No one mentioned anything about "derelict suppliers" and a "screwed up" "supply chain" except YOU. So, if we have started down a rathole you dug it. ;-)
This is an enlightening post. Recently we got a whole shipment from them and the quality was suspect and they had to replace it. Gloria retired just before that order was placed. Are you referring to Coburn the company that makes optical machinery? I've been using their equipment for about 30 years.
...you have no way of knowing this, so clearly a rumor.
Derelict suppliers refers to a recent extended bout between TRF members and a certain supplier. The thread went on for pages and pages without most getting in contact with the supplier. My point is call the vendor directly and solve the problem without spreading negativity.
Below are the LOC-Precision coupler specs. As shown the 4" coupler is around a couple thousands thinner than the 3" and 5.5".
View attachment 281170
Sure I do, I have multiples of both "versions" in-hand, the later set is clearly not as rigid.
Why would you make a veiled reference to another post about another vendor that has nothing to do with this issue and then say I'm being negative. Its you that has done that. You used those words. Why are you being so negative?
Why do you keep bring up other size couplers?
And finally the is no rigidity or stiffness spec in the table, wall thickness is not the only variable determining the rigidity of a tube. Why do you keep bring it up?
?...from Al's Hobby Shop (now defunct in Elmhurst, IL) and low-and-behold, same exact 4" coupler.
You took this out of context. The rumor I was referring to (the one you know nothing about), is whether LOC's supposed supplier actually cannot or will not meet their spec. I quoted this clearly in my post so I was in no way speaking about couplers in your possession as you mistakenly reference. In fact, earlier I suggested you post a picture of the couplers in question so we can compare them to the half dozen we all likely have sitting around and get to the bottom of the discrepancy.
I saw this thread going exactly the same way.
I bring up other size couplers because when you compare the 4" dia. to any other LOC coupler, it seems soft and weak. The dominate reason it is "soft and weak" is due to wall thickness. This is because all LOC tubes are made of the same material, Kraft paper, a laminate of paper and adhesive.
Kraft paper has basic strength specs (tensile, compressive, flexural, etc.) that are consistent and change very little. This is especially the case with couplers that don't add an outer waxed layer like an airframe. So, with all other material attributes being equal, in the end thickness is the primary factor in perceived stiffness/strength/rigidity.
Are you sure that your original 2014 couplers are LOC? They may just be LOC compatible. Especially if ordered through a 3rd party where they may have upgraded you without your knowledge.
Now you are just trying to walk this back. I didn't take anything out of context, you injected something into the context of this post that was not relevant. And BTW I never said anything about "Meeting their spec" I said the "same" spec clearly the couplers don't have the same specs.
You did huh? Self appointed moderator? BTW.... I said I would contact Apogee (the "Vendor") apparently you missed that,
Again, what's with you and other sizes of couplers? I WAS NOT COMPARING OTHER SIZE COUPLERS!
BS, simply not the case and this very coupler issue proves it as both versions of have nearly the same thickness, but weigh different: Old = 37g, New = 30g Delta of over 20%. So the specs are not the same.
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