Alignment pins in old molds?
09-19-2005, 04:36 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Alignment pins in old molds?
I have bought a set of fuse molds for a 1/6 turbine model.
The are relatively crude in construction and I want to upgrade them with some more
clamping screws and alignment pins around the flange.
What is the best way to do this?
Flange thickness is varying but mostly 1/8"
Regards
Lars
The are relatively crude in construction and I want to upgrade them with some more
clamping screws and alignment pins around the flange.
What is the best way to do this?
Flange thickness is varying but mostly 1/8"
Regards
Lars
09-19-2005, 05:14 PM
#2
RE: Alignment pins in old molds?
Lars,
You will definitely have to increase the mold thickness where you want to put in alignment pins. I think the easiest method is to cut 1 1/2" square of 6 oz glass cloth and stack them until you get at least 3/8" thickness where you want the pins to go thru. 1/2" Thick would be better. You want to make sure the pins hold the halves in alignment. Of course, these would go on the outside of the present mold. Then align and clamp the mold together perfectly and drill 1/4" holes thru both sides. Then all that is necessary is to cut some 3" long, 1/4" OD brass tubing (crimped on one end) to use as alignment pins. On my 62" long fuselage molds I have 5 on the top side and 4 on the bottom. Keep in mind, this only keeps the halves aligned..... After I put my fuselages together (in the mold) I apply large hand clamps completly around the circumference of the mold. Yes, this takes about 35 seperate clamps.. but works GREAT... and is simple. Hope this helps. I am going to make a new fuse tomorrow.. and will take pics of my layup process and clamps so you can get an idea of how I do it.
Dan
Carolina Custom Aircraft
You will definitely have to increase the mold thickness where you want to put in alignment pins. I think the easiest method is to cut 1 1/2" square of 6 oz glass cloth and stack them until you get at least 3/8" thickness where you want the pins to go thru. 1/2" Thick would be better. You want to make sure the pins hold the halves in alignment. Of course, these would go on the outside of the present mold. Then align and clamp the mold together perfectly and drill 1/4" holes thru both sides. Then all that is necessary is to cut some 3" long, 1/4" OD brass tubing (crimped on one end) to use as alignment pins. On my 62" long fuselage molds I have 5 on the top side and 4 on the bottom. Keep in mind, this only keeps the halves aligned..... After I put my fuselages together (in the mold) I apply large hand clamps completly around the circumference of the mold. Yes, this takes about 35 seperate clamps.. but works GREAT... and is simple. Hope this helps. I am going to make a new fuse tomorrow.. and will take pics of my layup process and clamps so you can get an idea of how I do it.
Dan
Carolina Custom Aircraft
09-20-2005, 03:52 PM
#3
Thread Starter
RE: Alignment pins in old molds?
Sounds like a good way to do it.
Instead of making a thick layup, maybe I could glue on some hardwood blocks
or blocks from thick G10 or similar?
Looking forward to see your pictures.
Lars
Instead of making a thick layup, maybe I could glue on some hardwood blocks
or blocks from thick G10 or similar?
Looking forward to see your pictures.
Lars
