Model Airplane Workshop Tips

Model Airplane Workshop Tips
From pull-pull control systems to getting the most out of that bottle of CA, our team of editors and contributors has the answers you’re looking for. Here are 7 workshop tips that we hope will make your time in the shop more enjoyable and efficient. Enjoy!
Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | Model Airplane Workshop Tips

Fine-Tuning Control Horns
When it comes to using a pull-pull control system, it is extremely important that you set up the geometry correctly. Measure the distance between the attachment points on the two-sided servo arm and make sure the distance between the attachment points on the horns on the control surface are the same. Oftentimes, standard control horns will be too short, so to solve the mismatch, use thin plywood shims between the control surface and the two horns. If the distances are not the same, the pull-pull cables will become slack on one side or the other as the servo moves the control surface.

 

 

Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | Model Airplane Workshop Tips

Easy Markings
It has always been troublesome for me to use a stencil mask and spray paint to apply markings to my models. Paint always seeps under the edge and the markings don’t come out great. To improve the looks of my models, I have started to use a permanent marker and a reusable stencil to draw the outlines. Then I fill in the stenciled markings. This method works great on foam, Depron, film, plastic, and any other type of electric-powered model surface.

 

 

Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | Model Airplane Workshop Tips

Secure Bullet Connectors
When it comes to doing the hard wiring for large electric motors like this Hacker A60–16L, which powers my giant OV-10 Bronco twin, I don’t take any chances with bullet connectors. Even the best-performing model can have some vibration issues. Although bullet connectors are very tight fitting, I apply some heat-shrink tubing over the connectors. They hold everything securely and it’s easy to remove in case I need to do maintenance on the motors or the wiring. This will serve as cheap flight insurance!

 

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Non-magnetic screws
When it comes time to install screws deep inside an airplane, we usually rely on a magnetic tip screwdriver. But often, the screws used to hold hardware in place may be made of non-ferrous metal. To help get the screw in its rightful place, try this trick. Use some tape, push the screw through it, and then place it on the end of the screwdriver. Next, fold the ends of the tape up against the screwdriver shaft and you’ve got a screw that won’t fall off. Simple and very easy.

 

 

 

Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | Model Airplane Workshop Tips

Awl for one
For a quick way to make a hole for a screw in balsa, you can use a sharpened awl instead of a small drill bit. Simply push the awl straight into the wood and twist. This works equally as well with light ply. To strengthen the hole, thread the screw into place and then remove it. Add a drop or two of thin CA glue and replace the screw.

 

 

 

Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | Model Airplane Workshop Tips

Screwdriver I.D.
To help me find tools more quickly in my flightline toolbox, I use small, medium, and/or large white labels to mark the shafts of Phillips-head and common screwdrivers to identify their type and size in my electric flight box.

 

 

 

Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | Model Airplane Workshop Tips

In a squeeze
CA glues are sensitive to moisture in the air and can thicken and/or harden in the bottle. To help prevent the glue from spoiling, I squeeze out the air before I replace the cap. This minimizes the amount of air/moisture in the bottle and helps the glue last longer.


6 Comments

  1. I am putting together a Kadet taildragger, my first build ever. I have the fuselage done. wondering, can I paint the fuselage white, and then have the monocoat stick to it?

    1. I would take some scrap balsa, paint it white and then see if you can stick your Monocoat to the painted surface…..that will certainly answer your question.

    2. Don’t paint it. Brush on a coat of Balsa Rite on all of the solid surfaces (do not put balsa Rite on the top or bottom of the wing ribs). Apply the covering after the Balsa Rite has dried using your iron and heat gun. The covering will stick like a second skin. When covering the fuse work from the center out, when covering the wing seal the leading edge, trailing edge, tip and solid wing center and then apply heat with the heat gun. Always cover the bottom of the wing first.

    3. It’s an almost sure way to get a lot of bubbles in the Monokote. Film needs a “breathing” surface underneath for the gasses to escape. Besides, why would you paint and then try to cover it?

  2. GREAT INFO ALL NOTED THANK YOU TERRY

  3. TO MAKE YOUR THIN CA LAST FOR A LONG TIME,KEEP IT IN THE FRIDGE. MY THIN CA(2 OZ)
    HAS BEEN IN MY FRIDGE NOW FOR 3 YEARS NOW. JUST AS THIN AS THE DAY I PUT IT IN THE FRIDGE.
    I DON’T KNOW ABOUT THICK CA IN THE FRIDGE. I ONLY USE THIN CA IN MY HOBBY WITH PLANES.

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