Sig Smith Miniplane build
#776
My Feedback: (12)
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.
I wouldn't worry about losing temper. It's not like you're going to get it red hot.
#778
My Feedback: (17)
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.
#779
Join Date: Jul 2006
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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
#780
My Feedback: (12)
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.
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.
#784
My Feedback: (149)
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
Probably not an experts description, but best I can offer.
T-man49
#785
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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
Viv
New Zealand
#786
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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
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.
#791
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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?
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?
#792
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
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?
#795
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...
What a nice plane to have , enjoy that beauty....I can imagine how well it flies...
#796
My Feedback: (17)
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.
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.
#800
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.
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.