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Sig Smith Miniplane build

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Sig Smith Miniplane build

Old 12-08-2012, 09:48 PM
  #776  
Quikturn
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build

Yup, it's like sweating copper pipe. You need to apply heat to the fittings first to get them up to temp. and then apply the solder and the copper joints will soak it right up.

I wouldn't worry about losing temper. It's not like you're going to get it red hot.
Old 12-09-2012, 04:56 AM
  #777  
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build

KaP2011,

Are you tightly wraping the parts with copper wire before fluxing and soldering?

T-man49
Old 12-09-2012, 05:37 AM
  #778  
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build

Yes, as tight as I can get it anyway. I've been useing a torch but I'm going to go today and get a new tip for my soldering gun and try again. It's weird, I can solder wire and I can braize with brass rod with no problem but silver soldering eludes me.
Old 12-09-2012, 09:25 AM
  #779  
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build

Heat the joint. When you touch the solder to it, it should melt into the joint immeadiately. If not, pull the solder away and apply more heat. Be liberal with the flux. This is what they should look like
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Old 12-09-2012, 10:06 AM
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build

Lookin good senrak.

I think using the torch would be best because it's easier to heat a complex object like a wound strut. Heat one side then apply heat to the other side. Apply solder to the opposite side of the heat. The flame shouldn't be what melts the solder. The solder should melt into the heated object.

The Smith miniplane is a good looking kit. You guys are making me want to get one.
Old 12-09-2012, 11:30 AM
  #781  
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build

Thanks for the advice and encouragement guys, I'll keep trying until I get it right.
Old 12-09-2012, 02:47 PM
  #782  
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build

Correct me if I'm wrong, but copper does not have a temper in the first place? I remember when I had to do my struts & landing gear, I had to get the entire assembly pretty darn hot for it to work well.
Old 12-09-2012, 03:20 PM
  #783  
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build

Correct, copper does not have a temper. I was worried about the landing gear temper.
Old 12-09-2012, 04:13 PM
  #784  
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build

Actually, copper does have a "temper" (example as in hard drawn water pipe) and if using a small butane torch, you'll probably see the copper wire turn red . . . but the silver solder will be much stronger than the copper and it gives the solder something to "hold on to" and "fill the joint".

Probably not an experts description, but best I can offer.

T-man49
Old 12-18-2012, 09:37 PM
  #785  
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build

Will upload some pics of my Smith Miniplane, 74cc Zenoah twin, built in 1996, has over 100 flights on it.

Viv
New Zealand
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Old 12-18-2012, 10:28 PM
  #786  
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build


ORIGINAL: vivwiniata

Will upload some pics of my Smith Miniplane, 74cc Zenoah twin, built in 1996, has over 100 flights on it.

Viv
New Zealand

Not a Sig Smith Miniplane, huh.
Old 12-18-2012, 10:52 PM
  #787  
vivwiniata
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build

Ooops, did not realise this thread was limited to SIG.
Old 12-19-2012, 05:29 AM
  #788  
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build

I don't think it'slimited to just Sig' SMP. I think that senrak was joking about the size of you're SMP. A very nice lookingSMP I might add.
Old 12-19-2012, 06:15 AM
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build

Viv- that is one BIG bipe! What does she weigh??
Old 12-19-2012, 07:42 AM
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build

That is one good looking "Mini Plane", nicely done.

Cheers,
Old 12-19-2012, 10:46 AM
  #791  
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build

You do have a great looking Smith Miniplane. No question about it. Congratulations.

As Rv7 mentioned, it is BIG. This thread is about building a little .40 size model. The "Sig" Smith Miniplane is the subject here. The constructions problems that come up and tecknics used to solve those problems are what is usually discussed. Your pictures represent a fine example of what appears to be a 1/3 scale model, and they just didn't seem to fit here. Do you have some constrution advise about the Sig kit to offer us?
Old 12-20-2012, 05:11 AM
  #792  
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build


ORIGINAL: vivwiniata

Will upload some pics of my Smith Miniplane, 74cc Zenoah twin, built in 1996, has over 100 flights on it.

Viv
New Zealand

I appreciate your pictures. Plane looks good[8D]. I think an occasional side step is cool. Helps keep the thread interesting. After all it is a "Smith Miniplane". Now, if you were posting pictures and build problems with a CUB I would say you are in the wrong place[].

Do you have any video of it in the air posted?
Old 12-20-2012, 10:05 AM
  #793  
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build

Only thing better than a picture of a little smith mini plane.....is a picture of a BIGGER little smith mini plane!!! LOL
Old 12-20-2012, 11:15 AM
  #794  
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build

Okay. Okay. I guess I am too much of a purest.
Viv. Do you have video?
Old 12-20-2012, 11:30 AM
  #795  
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build

Viv, one of the best builders in my club built a similar sized Smith Mini back in the day. It was beautiful as is yours !

What a nice plane to have , enjoy that beauty....I can imagine how well it flies...
Old 01-01-2013, 06:48 AM
  #796  
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build

How precise is too precise? I've spent the last three hours setting up the wings on my SMP. The top wing is 1/4 degree pos. the bottom wing is 1/4 degree neg. I know that both should be 0 degree. Both wings are level and square to the fuselage. Should I keep working at it? I'm a real nit-picker at this kind of stuff, it makes me crazy sometimes.

The last SMP I had was a real pita to fly, I did not build it but I suspect it was not set-up properly. I don't want this one to be the same.

I think I'll just keep at it until it's perfect.
Old 01-01-2013, 07:08 AM
  #797  
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build

Biplanes can be a pain to get set up right initially but you only have to do it once. I would suggest you keep at it, sounds like you are getting very close. Please keep us informed on how it goes for you.
Old 01-01-2013, 07:54 AM
  #798  
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build

Make them 0-0. If they aren't perfect they will fight one another in the air.
Old 01-01-2013, 08:35 AM
  #799  
KaP2011
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build

Well, the last thing I need is two wings fighting, I'm sure I'll have my hands full anyway.

I decided to back off from it for a little while. Re-arrange my workshop.
Old 01-01-2013, 08:45 AM
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Default RE: Sig Smith Miniplane build


ORIGINAL: KaP2011

How precise is too precise? I've spent the last three hours setting up the wings on my SMP. The top wing is 1/4 degree pos. the bottom wing is 1/4 degree neg. I know that both should be 0 degree. Both wings are level and square to the fuselage. Should I keep working at it? I'm a real nit-picker at this kind of stuff, it makes me crazy sometimes.

The last SMP I had was a real pita to fly, I did not build it but I suspect it was not set-up properly. I don't want this one to be the same.

I think I'll just keep at it until it's perfect.

Hey there KaP,

There is no such thing as too precise.

All kidding aside I would shoot for getting the wings right were you want them. 0 and 0. But it will fly with them out 1/4°. After all how accurate is your measuring device[]? I would suggest, since you did not mention it, that you pay attention to the stab incidence as well. Since you can control some of that relationship while you are messing with the wings. A little positive in the stab (up in front) in comparison to the wings is a good thing on this plane.

Good Luck with it.

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