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Do I need this stuff?

Old 12-31-2012, 01:34 PM
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mniesen89
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Default Do I need this stuff?

Do I really need this stuff? Is this a good buy or is there something more durable or more accurate? I hate buying stuff I really won't or don't need just because a website says you need it.
[img]webkit-fake-url://C580FDCC-9299-4042-AD12-565F40EFC938/imagepng[/img][img]webkit-fake-url://B9885D8F-0090-4981-BF40-2C8558946C1B/imagepng[/img]
Old 12-31-2012, 01:36 PM
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?

What stuff?
Old 12-31-2012, 01:36 PM
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huck1199
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?

Mike

Your pics did not expand. Don't know what you are questioning.
Old 12-31-2012, 01:38 PM
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mniesen89
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?

I guess the images didn't load right, here's the links:

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXK259&P=8

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXK260&P=8

Old 12-31-2012, 01:45 PM
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rafeeki
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?

#1 Handy to have although there are alternatives on the end of my hand that I use

#2 I use a ruler or tape measure that I hold up againt a deflecting surface.
Old 12-31-2012, 01:49 PM
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mniesen89
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?

Lol, thanks rafeeki. So I guess there's accurate less expensive alternative ways then buying these things.
Old 12-31-2012, 01:54 PM
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?

I wouldnt say accurate but alternatives.
Old 12-31-2012, 01:55 PM
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?

Those items fall in my category of "nice to have but not necessary to have" .

Karol
Old 12-31-2012, 02:13 PM
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mniesen89
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?

Right, and with all the stuff I'm having to buy just to get started, I'm trying to get the difference between the two of need to have and wold be nice to have.
Old 12-31-2012, 02:23 PM
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OldScaleGuy
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?


ORIGINAL: rafeeki

#1 Handy to have although there are alternatives on the end of my hand that I use

#2 I use a ruler or tape measure that I hold up againt a deflecting surface.
I do the same.
Some of those gadgets are ok but they are gadgets that you can get by fine without.
Old 12-31-2012, 02:32 PM
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?

Look in the classifieds , swap meets or ebay and buy them used.  I picked up the set ...used...for around $12.00.
Old 12-31-2012, 02:32 PM
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?

These are the kind of gadgets that you go without for a very long time, then you get one and it's " I don't know how I got along without it."


Frank
Old 12-31-2012, 02:34 PM
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mniesen89
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?

And how about the epoxy and the 10 different glues and removers tower hobbies is advising I buy in order to assemble the piper cub I am going to build, are these glues found cheaper elsewhere and are there any alternatives?

I can post a list of what theyre recommending if it helps.
Old 12-31-2012, 02:34 PM
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kwblake
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?

There are a ton of things that you will be told you need. A lot of them could be listed in the "nice to have" category. These are two of them. If you own them, you will use them, but not necessary to get started. Ask if someone else in your club would lend you there's for a day.
Old 12-31-2012, 02:36 PM
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mniesen89
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?

Thanks for the advice KevinKevin
Old 12-31-2012, 02:44 PM
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rafeeki
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?

This is what u need:

1. 5 & 15 min epoxy. Maybe 30 min for the firewall
2. Thin and medium CA glues, just have a small fan mounted nearby to push the fumes away.
3. Enjoy peeling the CA glue off your finger tips like we used to do with the old Duco cement (old timers will remember) or the UHU glue.
4. Retractable utility knifes two sizes.
5. Sanding paper & bars 2 sizes.
6. Good grade sealing iron & air dryer (not your wife's hair dryer).


Have fun)
Old 12-31-2012, 02:51 PM
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Gray Beard
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?

Need?? Most anything store bought can be made. I just happen to have the CG machine and I had the throw meter they sell but when I have nothing better to do I pick up some of my scrap wood and make my own degree meters for setting my control throws. I make up a bunch and give them to friends. The CG machine can also be made and if you want a real slick one look up Vanessa as the key word and you will find the instructions for making one, a very good one right here on RCU.
All these items are nice to have but not really needed. A good ruler is your friend. A base board with some holes drilled into it and a pair of pencils makes a good CG machine.
A lot of ways to do the same thing without spending any money.
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Old 12-31-2012, 02:57 PM
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dbacque
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?

I've been building airplanes for more than 45 years and I don't see paying money for these things.

As to CG, setting up according to plans is only the first step in trimming an airplane and it only has to be close. Then you need to adjust it based on flight performance. So what I'm saying is that balancing on finger tips is close enough for the first flight and then you'll adjust from there based on flight testing.

Controls throws are the same sort of thing. Mfg recommendations are just that, recommendations. Use a ruler to set them. Fly it and see how it feels. Adjust from there. Do be sure to go back and make sure that both ailerons have identical throws. Again, low tech is plenty. A dime store ruler works just as well as some fancy gauge to make sure that both ailerons or both elevator halves have the same amount of throw.

Spend the money where it counts, radio, engine, aircraft, ...

Dave
Old 12-31-2012, 03:06 PM
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mniesen89
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?

My exact thought....I'd rather put my money into higher quality equipment then by unnecessary items.
Old 12-31-2012, 03:09 PM
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?

To me this was the most fun time, all the learning. Don't be overwhelmed, it could easily happen with all the options that are out there today. You will figure out what is best for you in time. In the mean time enjoy.
Here are some other slightly different ideas to refeeki's
1. 5 & (30 minute epoxy)
2. Thin and medium CA glues (and accelerator).
3. Enjoy peeling the CA glue off your finger tips like we used to do with the old Duco cement (old timers will remember) or the UHU glue.
4. Retractable utility knifes two sizes. (I use an Exacto knife with a #11 blade most of the time.)
5. Sanding paper & bars 2 sizes. (Sanding blocks are ok, usually use 80 grit and 160 grit for starters.)
6. Good grade sealing iron (perhaps a Top Flite, the air gun can wait.)
(7. I use Titebond II as much as possible. It is a slow drying glue you can get at a hardware store, less costly than the CA's. CA's have their place as well.)
Old 12-31-2012, 03:18 PM
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mniesen89
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?

I'm not really overwhelmed its just that my mind is pulling me all over the place. I'm one to take hours to compare prices and review products before I make a purchase, I am having fun though and I sure am learning a lot the more I look at parts.
Old 12-31-2012, 03:36 PM
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?

1. YES
2. YES

Do you have any idea how many airplanes I have seen get crashed on the first flight due to improper CG and/or control throws?

The guys who say you don't need a balancer or a deflection gauge may know more than others. And just like him I can eyeball everything from my 48" Hangar 9 Tribute 36 to my 106" Extra 330 in terms of throws. CG I ALWAYSmeasure, and check it about 10 times. Do I need a balancer? Nope, but it gives you the knowledge and experience to balance an airplane properly and set the throws accurately according to the manufacturers specs.

Ever hear the term "It flew right off the table"? That is because it was set-up properly before flying. I rarely need more than click or two of trim on my maidens. But I also set then up as perfectly as I can and I use all those fancy little tools.
Old 12-31-2012, 03:52 PM
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?

1. No
2. No
Old 12-31-2012, 04:00 PM
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OldScaleGuy
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?

I don't believe any one here has eluded to the fact we should be sloppy with the set ups. I agree 100% that the plane must have the correct CG and control throws set for first flight success. The point is one does not need some gadget to do that. Measure, mark the CG and check it by lifting the model (sometimes that takes two people). Get out your measuring tape or ruler and check the control throws. Make sure they are right and you will be successful. It is that simple. There is no need to complicate basic, good techniques.
Old 12-31-2012, 04:01 PM
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mniesen89
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Default RE: Do I need this stuff?

I'm not one with any experience here which is why I asked the questions obviously. I'll probably pass on the, at this point being I have some willing guidance at my club for help and ensure I'm doing the right thing.

the fact that I have plenty of other experienced folks here telling me I don't need it gives me confidence as well.


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