So I've noticed that my maneuver dials are wearing out pretty quickly. The graphics are rubbing off after repeated use. Granted they are seeing a lot of use. Just wondering if anyone else is seeing this or come up with something to combat it? 

There are a few threads either here or on boardgamegeek that show people using contact paper to protect the dial faces. That seems to work fairly well.

I do have access to signmaking materials, so I personally used a matte overlaminate film to protect mine. I used a plotter to cut a whole bunch of them for my own use. I just put the film on before I assemble the dials. This route would definitely be a bit more pricey than the contact paper and is irreversible, but if you're willing to take the expense, your friendly local sign shop should be able to help you out.

 Huh, I wouldn't have thought of that. I think I'll give the contact paper a shot since my original dials are already pretty worn out. Thanks for the info.

I used clear packing tape on mine, way cheaper than contact paper (since I had some laying around).

 On a similar note, has anyone found a decent way to take apart the maneuver dial after it's been snapped together?

I only have one dial wearing out on mine. It's the X-wing dial that my brother-in-law used when I played him several games in a row. He had trouble deciding what maneuver to choose and sat there rubbing the dial with his thumb. I didn't realize it was a problem until several days later.

Packing tape might work, but it's probably not acid-free. That said, acids in the tape will probably not wear it down as fast as a dial exposed to oily fingers.

GeekZap said:

I used my pocket knife going slowing around on the BOTTOM of the dial. If you work slowly enough, it'll come out.

Thanks for the heads up about this… I've not had this problem yet so it never occurred to me.

Also, thanks for the idea about the packing tape… works great and easy enough to trim with an exacto knife.

Is contact paper ACID free?  May convert to that for the rest if so and if it's equally easy (just did two so far). 

The plastic pin is a bit of a pain to get out, but I found if you pry the small one from the larger one it is a bit easier (I used my thumb nail for the first two, but may convert to a small screwdriver if it doesn't damage the dial).  Fortunately, I remember putting the smaller one in the top of all mine so it shouldn't be too bad.

 This is some really great info.  I would not have even thought about those dials wearing out.  Thanks for the input.

El_Tonio said:

Contact paper is NOT acid free, unless you get an acid free roll (which cost way more than packing tape.

What I did was use packing tape on the number part of the dials and the other face that rubs up against that side. That way I have 2 slick/smooth surfaces rubbing up against each other.

Is this what folks mean by contact paper (i.e., is it also called shelf liner)?

www.amazon.com/Duck-1115496-Laminate-Adhesive-12-Inch/dp/B002AS9NC6/ref=sr_1_2

Note, there are three on this page, if you select 24 feet by 18 inches it specifically says it is acid free (the other two do not specifically say this).

It is $12.  Looks like you get a lot for that and I could use it for other things as well.

Alternatively, what do others think about packaging tape.  Worked perfectly on the two I did… just worried about it turning yellow or damaging the dials.  No rush on doing the rest, but if this is safe it works well and is very easy to do.

FarkonGnome said:

You are aware that packing tape is also not acid free.  Have you seen what 8 year old packing tape looks like?  Depending on the conditions of storage you may be disappointed.  Always keep them out of extreme temperatures and hopefully they will stay stable.

While all the suggestions on how to preserve the dial are quite interesting, I must pose the question:

Is there any real reason to use the dial? There are other printed sources on the maneuvers available to each ship. As long as you are selecting a valid maneuver, and assigning it in secret to the ship in question (say, face down piece of paper), is there really any issue? (This may hinge off of whether or not there's a ship ability that actually causes the dial to spin in a certain direction).

R5Don4 said:

I use Duck HP260 High Performance Sealing Tape -- it's non-yellowing and UV resistant.

I figure by the time this stuff goes yellow, FFG or some other company will have produced acrylic movement dials.

 Ah, very good.  It's definitely worth using the good stuff for this application.