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Nov 15, 2012, 01:01 AM
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United States, ND, Fargo
Joined Aug 2007
168 Posts
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How do I clamp a torn fuselage?
Hey, I'm wondering if there isn't a better way to do this.
We all know what happens when EPO aircraft hit the ground a little too hard. Fuselages can rip and break. How does one best repair a crack or tear about the circumference of the fuselage (as opposed to along the length), especially if it is a partial crack and not fully broken all the way around? I use 30 minute epoxy because I find that CA eventually comes loose, hot glue sets to quickly, and I've never had an epoxy repair break in the same place. I use the 30 minute because it isn't as brittle and seems to "bite" more than the quick stuff. How does one clamp a repair like this while it sets? Holding it tight and still until the glue sets up is very annoying and sometimes painful. I cant really see how to clamp it effectively from the front and back, even if I had a big enough clamp, and simply clamping the side doesn't give pressure in the proper direction. I thought about maybe using bamboo skewers on either side of the crack and bringing them together with clamps or bands to hold the crack shut but then I end up with more holes in my plane and what could be weak points with the potential for starting additional cracks. ideas? |
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Nov 15, 2012, 08:52 AM
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Joined Sep 2011
2,165 Posts
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If the fuse is strong enough to take a light weight clamp either side of the break you could try rubber bands on these to pull it together;or even another clamp across them.
Masking tape can sometimes be enough. Stuart |
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Nov 15, 2012, 09:14 PM
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Australia, QLD, Booyal
Joined Sep 2012
513 Posts
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I use 5 min but when you put it on wiggle the two bits togethor. If you don't already do it you will see just how strong it is
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Nov 15, 2012, 10:21 PM
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United States, IA, Rockwell
Joined Jul 2011
2,056 Posts
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I agree with Stupot. Masking tape is a pretty good thing. It has a tiny bit of stretch. Several strips across the joint should do the job. Just make sure is is clean so the tape will stick.
Ken |
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Nov 19, 2012, 11:05 PM
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Canada, BC, Summerland
Joined Nov 2012
2,042 Posts
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i've found that packing tape is my friend for these kind of jobs
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Latest blog entry: DJI F550 build w/naza
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Dec 08, 2012, 05:45 AM
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Australia, VIC, Rosebud
Joined Feb 2007
1,649 Posts
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You can't beat hot melt for foamies.
Once repaired it may still be mishapened so dunk it in hot water for awhile, but not too hot otherwise the hot melt will melt again |
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Dec 15, 2012, 10:52 PM
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USA, KY, Edgewood
Joined Dec 2007
1,081 Posts
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Rubber bands plus masking tape here....
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Dec 16, 2012, 04:36 PM
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Albuquerque, NM
Joined Apr 2008
492 Posts
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Two 18-inch-long lengths of aluminum angle iron held on with several wraps of tape will keep the fuse perfectly aligned while the epoxy dries.
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