I'd like to use two-sided foam tape to: a) temporarily position servo mounts and b) permanently position atlas under-table switch machines. In both cases, the tape would be applied to a flat metal surface on one side and sanded wood on the other. Any recommendation on tape to buy and any experiences to share?
Note, I am experimenting here, the servo probably wins on cost and ease of installation but I want to give the atlas a try. Many of the under-table atlas switch machines are missing the adapter plate. Attempting to attach with screws (per atlas instructions) and no mounting adapter may result in the switch rod being off-kilter (not perpendicular). It is possible to make a replacement with styrene but not sure how well it would last...
I used this double sided foam mounting tape for securing my Tortoise switch machines to unsanded plywood under the table. The Tortoise is smooth plastic so I think it would work on smooth metal as well.
AmazonSmile: Scotch Products - Scotch - Exterior Weather-Resistant Double-Sided Tape, 1 x 60, Gray w/Red Liner - Sold As 1 Roll - Double-sided gray tape with red liner. - Weather-resistant, holds securely to indoor or outdoor surfaces such as stucco and brick. - Super strong, holds onto virtually any surface. : Industrial & Scientific
I like this tape as it held the Tortoise well in initial position, and I then added 2 screws (after drilling holes) in opposite corners for good measure. I found that I could, much later, loosen the Tortoise w/tape from the plywood and reposition slightly if needed.
I'm not sure this is quite right for your application, so FWIW. I think the tape is usually available at Home Depot stores.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
Thanks for the information! Last weekend I had grabbed a roll of gorilla brand clear 2 sided tape at HD but didn't read reviews until home. Customers were critical, saying the colored version was better than clear. Good to see that your experience was good using the scotch outdoor tape that is a gray color.
add in, for both of my applications I need the ability to fiddle with the mount until properly positioned. Two screws are used with a servo mount for final attachment. I had hoped that the tape would work for a permanent solution with atlas. Fortunately, I can do the fiddling at the workbench rather than under the layout.
Hi IDRick,
Another option is 2" wide Velcro. It will allow adjustments to the servo positions to be made easily, but I have two recommendations:
1. I would suggest that you paint the wood where the velcro will be attached so that you get a better grip.
2. If the 'temporary' mounting is going to be used for more than a few days, I would put a couple of screws in to make sure the servos stay in place. My old club used velcro to initially mount the Tortoise machines. It worked fine for a period of time, but we found that the more a turnout was switched, the more likely it was that the velcro would let go.
It is not a permanent solution unless you put the screws in, but the ability to easily reposition the Tortoises to get them lined up perfectly was definitely a bonus, and installing the screws with the Tortoises held in place by the velcro made the job so much easier.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I am partial to Duck Brand carpet tape. Very sticky and very thin.
https://www.amazon.com/Duck-392907-Indoor-Outdoor-1-41-Inch/dp/B000BO4QZ0/ref=sr_1_7?crid=1HE4DJKT2AH56&keywords=carpet+tape&qid=1639765226&sprefix=carpet%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-7
I use it to position Torti, uncoupler magnets and many other things. A 1.41" square cut from the roll perfectly fits a Tortoise. Add two screws as Paul suggests for permanent installation.
Charlie
hon30critter1. I would suggest that you paint the wood where the velcro will be attached so that you get a better grip
I would agree with Dave's suggestion to paint or seal the wood before applying the tape. A lot of unpainted wood (depending on the type) will have a fine layer of "fuzz" on the surface. Applying a couple coats of paint/sealer and sanding after each coat will remove the fuzz and give you a nice clean surface for your tape.
Good luck. --MARK