MODELING TIPS
PART - 2

This page is for tips and tricks used on RC and other models . Many of the tips on this page I thought of myself, but I am sure many of you have thought of the same things or "Seen it somewhere before" .

If I know it came from someone other then myself I state so in the tip.

All the usual disclaimers apply, think before you try anything the first time!

If you have any ideas that you would like to share with others let me know via EMAIL at wenzej@bellsouth.net I will add any tips I receive to this page when I get a chance.

TIPS

TIP 26

Save the caps from your fuel bottles then when working on a model turn two of them upside down on the table and sit the wheels in them to keep the plane from rolling around. Saw one of the guys at the field do this.

TIP 27

Take the discarded paper roll from a roll of plastic covering cut it into different lengths and then tape them together with duct tape including the bottoms. Now tape the assembly to the side of your parts cabinet or wall. Use this to store all the push rods metal tubing and other short lengths of metal rods. They can also be used to store tools.

TIP 28

If your epoxy gets thick and you are unable to get it out of the plastic bottle try heating it in a microwave for a few seconds. This will not harm the epoxy BUT the epoxy is too old to use for critical uses like hinges. Out of a magazine.

Bob Campbell  says he keeps his next to his furnace to keep it warm and ready to use at any time.  He also uses his heat gun to heat small amounts of mixed epoxy to thin it out.

TIP 29

My hobby store gives me long plastic bags when I buy plastic covering or balsa strips. I find they are great for storing building plans, leftover rolled plastic covering and extra wood strips.

NEW 11/16/97  

TIP 30

Waxed paper is the standard covering for plans when building an airplane on top of them I find that waxed paper does not come in large enough sheets and tends to stick to the airplane.   Last time I built I used some left over plastic that is used to cover windows.  This stuff is made by 3M Scotch and comes in large 3X5 foot sheets this is just the size of the plans I was using. the covering will shrink if heated but this is not necessary as it lays very flat.  CA and other glues will not stick to this stuff at all and it is crystal clear unlike waxed paper.   There was even a roll of double stick tape in the box.   The price on the box (Which was several years old) was $5 this is cheaper then the Great planes plan protector stuff, but I don't think you get as much.

TIP 31

This one from John Banks  KaosMan1@aol.com

When you have to use screws that will be removed often, drill the holes for the screws large enough to allow you to insert a small piece of Sullivan Gold-N-Rod.   Glue the rod in the hole. The screws can then be removed and reinserted with out weakening the wood. John does not recommend this for high stress areas.

TIP 32

This is from someone at Thermal Images (timages@tor.hookup.net)

When mixing epoxy use an old coffee can lid, after the epoxy hardens just flex the lid and the cured epoxy will pop off.

TIP 33

This one is from Dean C. Erickson ( ERIC6180@prodigy.net)

After you cut a plastic wing bolt stick it in one of those cheep plastic pencil sharpeners and give it a beveled tip this makes it much easier to insert the bolt and cleans up the start threads .

TIP 34

John LaCombe writes that he uses 409 spray cleaner to bend balsa wood.   He says it works better then anything else he has used and does not seem to cause any problems with glue or covering.  He goes on to say that it makes a good airplane cleaner for you and the airplane.

(Update 6/9/98)

I have tried this and it does seem to work better then the ammonia and water mix.  Be careful not to spray too much on as it will soak through and wet the side you are gluing.

TIP 35

Alan Backus says he stores his models by hanging them from the ceiling in his room or using a small cardboard box he stands the fuse on its nose in the box with the wing beside it.

TIP 36

Chris J. Hoag Says he uses electrical tape to secure the canopy on his airplanes.  {I have used striping tape that will hold a canopy on surprisingly well however the oil always gets under it and loosens it in time.}

TIP 37

Some one at True Refuge@aol.com sent this tip:

Get a piece of aluminum 1 or 2 inch right angle that can be found at most hardware stores.  Make sure it is really square (90%) then cut off 1/2 inch wide pieces.

Next drill small holes in each end about the size of a push pin or T pin.  

Use the angles to hold ribs perpendicular to the building board by putting one on each side of the rib and then pinning it to the board.

{This is a great idea and I plan to make some before I build my next airplane.}

TIP 38

Jesse Kahl jesse@cony-hs.augusta.k12.me.us says: A good way to cut thin balsa sheets is with a rotary cutter made for cutting fabric.   This also works well to cut plastic covering .

TIP 39

IF you have to drill a hole in thin balsa do not use a common wood drill it will usually leave a ragged hole that is the wrong size.  Go to the hobby store and get a piece of thin wall brass tubing the same outside diameter as the hole you want to drill.  Mount the tubing in an electric drill (preferably a drill press) then hold a piece of sand paper or a file against the end while turning to sharpen it.  Use this to drill your holes, it will cut perfect holes.  After cutting several holes you may have to push out the wood that collects inside the tube with a stiff wire.   If you can find a drill the same size as the inside of the tube stick in in the top part so the drill chuck does not crush the tube. Also watch that the tube does not flare out at the bottom and change the size of the hole.   From the instructions for the Great Planes Wing Jig.

NEW 6/9/1998

TIP 40

When opening anykind of glue bottle with a cutoff type nozzle top don't cut it off or stick a pin in it.  Instead drill a hole with a small twist drill. 5/64" seams to be a good size for this.  You will find that the glue flows from the nozzle much better and it will not clog up as easy.

TIP 41

This Tip is from Rene Leblanc  Leblancr@exploremaine.com