Workshop Build-Alongs


RC Motor Box Upgrade — Make model parts using Stepcraft desktop CNC

RC Motor Box Upgrade — Make model parts using Stepcraft desktop CNC

It’s nothing new combining CAD with RC model airplanes, and in fact, it’s been around for decades. However, the ability to use CAD files to produce RC airplane parts at home is relatively new. With the Stepcraft desktop CNC system, I was able to make a new motor mount box for a friend who was […]
Machining Aluminum — Stepcraft 2/420 Desktop CNC System

Machining Aluminum — Stepcraft 2/420 Desktop CNC System

Over the weekend I did some more testing and this time I used some sheet alumiinum. 6061-T3 to be exact and this 1/16 inch thick sheet was covered on one side with some clear, stick-on vinyl. I set up the work piece with a 1/8 inch spoil-board made of hobby grade lite-ply and clamped the […]

Running the Stepcraft-2 420 Desktop CNC System — Turning G-code into parts

Running the Stepcraft-2 420 Desktop CNC System — Turning G-code into parts

Recently I reviewed the Stepcraft-2 420 desktop CNC machine and covered the basic assembly and setup of this kit built CNC system. When it comes to the actual operation of the system you have to start using programs to create and convert CAD drawing files of the parts you want to machine and produce the […]

Giant Scale Workshop Tips — Removable Engine Installation for Easy Access

Giant Scale Workshop Tips — Removable Engine Installation for Easy Access

We’ve seen it time and time again: a giant-scale airplane noses over with enthusiasm and the engine and firewall are ripped out of the fuselage requiring major repairs. For the  engine installation in my 85-inch version of the Ziroli Skyraider, I came up with a removable, through-the-firewall setup for engine attachment for a couple of […]
Model Airplane Workshop Build-Along, Douglas Skyraider Part 14 Plug-in Wing Panels

Model Airplane Workshop Build-Along, Douglas Skyraider Part 14 Plug-in Wing Panels

So, after getting the Skyraider up onto its landing gear last time out, I thought I would tackle finishing up the plug-in wing panels. This of course was started before the wings were sheeted by installing the hardware which included the aluminum wing tube and socket sets which are available from Nick Ziroli Plans. Here […]

Model Airplane Douglas Skyraider Part 12, Attaching the wing to the Fuselage

Model Airplane Douglas Skyraider Part 12, Attaching the wing to the Fuselage

After gluing the wing panels together the next step is to install the one-piece wing structure to the fuselage. Here is the completed wing structure. The center bottom section has been left unsheeted so the dihedral braces could be epoxied into place. This also keeps the wing blocks that will support the wing attachment bolts […]

Workshop Build-Along — Douglas Skyraider Part 9 — Wing Construction

Workshop Build-Along — Douglas Skyraider Part 9 — Wing Construction

So now that we have come to a natural breakaway point with the fuselage, it’s a good time to begin the wing construction. Eventually we will return to the fuselage for the firewall and engine installation, but for now, lets work with some ribs. After cleaning up all the debris from the fuselage build, lay out the […]
Workshop Build-Along — Douglas Skyraider Part 7 — Tailwheel

Workshop Build-Along — Douglas Skyraider Part 7 — Tailwheel

While I was sheeting the fuselage, I also was working out the installation of my scale Tail wheel unit (custom made by Earl Aune). This included installing the new plywood former and reinforcement side doublers while still having access to the parts in between the pieces of sheeting. The sheeting also helps keep the fuselage structure rigid during […]
Workshop Build-Along — Douglas Skyraider Part 6 — Fuselage Sheeting

Workshop Build-Along — Douglas Skyraider Part 6 — Fuselage Sheeting

Now that the fuselage is almost completely built up, it’s time to start sheeting the structure and to begin some of the hardware installation. By first applying the 1/8-inch balsa sheeting to a few key areas, the fuselage structure becomes much more ridged and this helps it remain straight and properly aligned while moving it […]
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