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This thread is privately moderated by Murocflyer, who may elect to delete unwanted replies. |
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Noobie builder here. Received a Sig Riser for Christmas, and have the inboard wing panels glued up nicely , but when I went to sand down the leading edge Im having a hard time in getting rid of the gap where the top sheeting meets the front piece it glues to.
Is there a recommended light filler that one can use to fill cracks/small gaps that wont sand out? Started sanding down the inboard panels and see its going to be a challenge to get the two LE sheets to sand flush with the LE piece. Also cracked one top LE sheet trying to form it over the LE piece to glue onto the spars. Think it will be ok once I sand it I hope. |
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My Riser kit sheeting on L/E was was to hard. Plus had been cut with bow in it. I replaced four pieces for top of wing to softer balsa. I used bogus kit pieces to make ribs for another project. Most of kit wood was very good except that sheeting for L/E. Riser builds light and flys well. Great deal for two meter glider and under $50.00 kit price.
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Question. Im in need of some 3/8×2"×48" TE balsa to try and rebuild a couple of Vtail rudders I fubar'd. It wouldnt even have to be 48" lengths, but thats what they sell. No LHS carries the 2" stuff, all 1 1/2" max. Looking on National balsa's its 6 bucks for 2 pieces, but the lowest shipping option is UPS 3 day select at a whopping 30 bucks? WTH Orville???? Is it just because of the length or what? They dont offer any USPS options.
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Last edited by Tom T; May 18, 2016 at 09:27 AM.
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It finally dawned on me that the 48" pieces were a third longer than the 36" pieces but more than double the price. Where I am they are not available in anything like the same choice of sizes. Don't know if that helps you at all but it might possibly be easier to find the cross-section you need in the shorter length.
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I use a razor plane to taper elevators and so on, then clean them up with a little sanding. I find it much quicker. I was never too keen on hobby store razor planes as I come from a background using "big" woodworking tools, and these seemed like toys, but I got very sick of a supposed "proper" block plane I bought which turned out to be junk and wouldn't stay like I set it. So I bought a cheap plastic razor plane and found I like it, but I'd advise anyone buy them to learn how to properly sharpen blades - most people don't understand what sharp really is until you experience the difference. The planes these days no longer just take single edged razors, and they want you to keep buying their special replacement blades when they go dull. They're not what I'd call sharp enough to begin with, but if you get yourself a leather strop, a proper one from a woodworking supplier, you can keep the same hobby knife blade literally razor sharp indefinitely and you'll get an edge like you've never seen on these plane blades, and save money and hassle while you're at it. Anyway, with a little practice they are excellent for jobs like this one and a lot less mess than sanding. It's so much easier to pick up shavings than dust! Plus, I quite enjoy those almost transparent, looping curls of fine shavings. Very satisfying You just need to get the blade at the right depth, and watch out that the sole of the plane isn't really that flat - mine cuts deeper at the edges than the centre, but you can work with it.
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Let's bump up this thread up, shall we? There's a wealth of information condensed just into this single thread alone!
I've been contemplating on building a balsa scratch build for several months now, sort of a graduation up from dollar tree foam, but I've never taken it past the plans printing part. Now that I've finally found a local store who sells balsa wood, I might just take it up my interest to the next level. Finding this thread was a huge help! I've looked online all over the place for tips and tricks, but once I found this thread, everything that I need to make for a more successful start is all right here, in THIS one thread! Thank you Frank for creating such an informative thread. Back in the early 70's my father had built a few control line aircraft, and I've always been fascinated with them. I haven't seen him since 1984, so I'd like to build at least one in memory of him. But, I need the practice first before I build a plane out of balsa and plywood that's worthy of his memory. Now to filter through all of my plans and find myself a simple, small aircraft to start with. |
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Good to see someone getting into building. It is very therapeutic I find. The learning curve can definitely be made flatter by hanging out on this board. Don't hesitate to ask questions.
Choose your subject, then ask what to look for when you buy balsa and glue and plywood. Just my .02 c. worth. Pat |
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Glad to see this thread still alive and kicking.
Frank |
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Glad to see YOU alive and kicking!
Muroc/Frank, I've never had the pleasure of conversing with you on the forums but I want to thank you for starting this thread as it has been an immeasurable tool in my quest for airplane building happiness. |
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