Is dope & fabric covering dead?
08-10-2009, 06:32 PM
#176
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RE: Is dope & fabric covering dead?
ORIGINAL: psuguru
cellulose fumes.
Boiler pilot light.
you see where I'm going with this?
About 3,000 feet straight up
ORIGINAL: squeakalong
basement dangerous/smelly fumes
Joe
basement dangerous/smelly fumes
Joe
Boiler pilot light.
you see where I'm going with this?
About 3,000 feet straight up
Ventilation is a good thing.
jess
08-17-2009, 03:39 PM
#177
RE: Is dope & fabric covering dead?
I have photos of my Dad covering real airplane wings with open 30 gallon pails, a salamander heater in the corner of a closed up shop while he and two helpers each smoked a cigarette! Not good health but the explosion thing is not as critical as one might think. Not good for modern days though, we now know better!
Chris...
Chris...
08-17-2009, 07:43 PM
#178
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RE: Is dope & fabric covering dead?
Yeah, while they didn't cause an explosion or fire, it does sound like they were tempting fate though. 
Glad nothing happened!
Were the wings for the Stearman in your avitar?
Harvey
Glad nothing happened!Were the wings for the Stearman in your avitar?
Harvey
08-24-2009, 10:26 AM
#179
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RE: Is dope & fabric covering dead?
ORIGINAL: jessiej
I suppose such a thing could happen though I have never heard of it. I have used model airplane dope for 55 years or so including quite a few years sharing a basement with a gas water heater and heated with a gas space heater. There were also a number of years when I smoked as I worked. I have always been more concerned with dangers of inhalation of fumes than explosion.
Ventilation is a good thing.
jess
ORIGINAL: psuguru
cellulose fumes.
Boiler pilot light.
you see where I'm going with this?
About 3,000 feet straight up
ORIGINAL: squeakalong
basement dangerous/smelly fumes
Joe
basement dangerous/smelly fumes
Joe
Boiler pilot light.
you see where I'm going with this?
About 3,000 feet straight up
Ventilation is a good thing.
jess
I couldn't find a tongue-in-cheek emoticon!
No, I've never had a problem with cellulose fumes either.
06-12-2010, 03:54 PM
#180
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RE: Is dope & fabric covering dead?
I love that nobody builds any more...... for someone just learnig to build.........discount on used parts......however I cant buy dope anywhere looking for alternatives thinking about trying the flour water deal to stick it and then maybee using thin laquer(woodworking spray)to bind it all (is it possible)
06-12-2010, 05:04 PM
#181
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RE: Is dope & fabric covering dead?
You can get dope from Sig Manufacturing or from Aircraft Spruce & Specialty
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/...hcoatings.html
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/...hcoatings.html
06-12-2010, 06:33 PM
#182
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RE: Is dope & fabric covering dead?
ORIGINAL: kzart
I love that nobody builds any more...... for someone just learnig to build.........discount on used parts......however I cant buy dope anywhere looking for alternatives thinking about trying the flour water deal to stick it and then maybee using thin laquer (woodworking spray) to bind it all (is it possible)
I love that nobody builds any more...... for someone just learnig to build.........discount on used parts......however I cant buy dope anywhere looking for alternatives thinking about trying the flour water deal to stick it and then maybee using thin laquer (woodworking spray) to bind it all (is it possible)
06-12-2010, 09:14 PM
#183
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RE: Is dope & fabric covering dead?
You can go here they have good service http://www.darehobby.com/accessories/dopethinners.htm They sell Brodak products which is Randolph or you can go to Brodak directly. http://www.brodak.com/about.php. Dare has a flat rate of 6.00 shiping. If you need more than pints and quarts you need to go to Aircraft Spruce or Randolph. Cheers Bill
06-16-2010, 09:07 PM
#184
RE: Is dope & fabric covering dead?
ORIGINAL: H5487
Yeah, while they didn't cause an explosion or fire, it does sound like they were tempting fate though. Glad nothing happened!
Were the wings for the Stearman in your avitar?
Harvey
Yeah, while they didn't cause an explosion or fire, it does sound like they were tempting fate though.
Glad nothing happened!Were the wings for the Stearman in your avitar?
Harvey
Hi Harvey,
I haven't visited this thread for a long time! Yes, Dad said it wasn't optimal, but the conversations were wild! The avatar picture is me in my Pitts Special before the test flight after speed modifications. It went well.
Chris...
]
06-18-2010, 03:52 AM
#187
RE: Is dope & fabric covering dead?
Yes there is an excellent video by Dave Platt. Its his Back to Basics video. If you cant lay down fabric or silkspan after watching that video you better go back to plastic coverings!
If you have never covered with silk/silkspan & dope, (even if you have) there are lots of "tricks of the trade" revealed.....Gene
If you have never covered with silk/silkspan & dope, (even if you have) there are lots of "tricks of the trade" revealed.....Gene
06-18-2010, 06:53 AM
#189
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RE: Is dope & fabric covering dead?
Never mind, I found it. (http://www.daveplattmodels.com/Videos/index.htm)
$34.95 is a bit much!
Harvey
$34.95 is a bit much!
Harvey
06-18-2010, 06:35 PM
#190
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RE: Is dope & fabric covering dead?
If you go to this site, there is a pretty good explanation and instructions.
http://www.airfieldmodels.com/
http://www.airfieldmodels.com/
06-23-2010, 06:09 PM
#191
RE: Is dope & fabric covering dead?
I may have asked it before..... five years ago for that matter!
I have my father's Sultan, which was done all in silk. Thanks to one of our dogs, there a number of holes in the wing. I have several questions:
1) What is the easiest method of repair?
2) In addition, the plan is 41 years old. Should I replace the hinges (nylon) and recover? I am concerned that the age will have a negative effect.
3) In terms of monocoat or other "modern" covering materials, how many variants are there on color (the plane is medium navy blue)?
I don't plan to fly the plane right away....besides the ability level needed, I also have to construct a new servo board, since the one in the plane fits and holds the old and HUGE Bonner servos.
mightyhorn
07-11-2010, 12:01 PM
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RE: Is dope & fabric covering dead?
Still alive here as well. Kit bashed Great Planes PT-17. It is covered with a combination of silk-span and fabric. Then it is finished with Randolf Dope. Covered and painted just like the full size is. I use this to compete in masters sport scale.
07-11-2010, 08:00 PM
#193
RE: Is dope & fabric covering dead?
ORIGINAL: mightyhorn
I may have asked it before..... five years ago for that matter!
I have my father's Sultan, which was done all in silk. Thanks to one of our dogs, there a number of holes in the wing. I have several questions:
1) What is the easiest method of repair?
2) In addition, the plan is 41 years old. Should I replace the hinges (nylon) and recover? I am concerned that the age will have a negative effect.
3) In terms of monocoat or other ''modern'' covering materials, how many variants are there on color (the plane is medium navy blue)?
I don't plan to fly the plane right away....besides the ability level needed, I also have to construct a new servo board, since the one in the plane fits and holds the old and HUGE Bonner servos.
mightyhorn
I may have asked it before..... five years ago for that matter!
I have my father's Sultan, which was done all in silk. Thanks to one of our dogs, there a number of holes in the wing. I have several questions:
1) What is the easiest method of repair?
2) In addition, the plan is 41 years old. Should I replace the hinges (nylon) and recover? I am concerned that the age will have a negative effect.
3) In terms of monocoat or other ''modern'' covering materials, how many variants are there on color (the plane is medium navy blue)?
I don't plan to fly the plane right away....besides the ability level needed, I also have to construct a new servo board, since the one in the plane fits and holds the old and HUGE Bonner servos.
mightyhorn
2) The hinges should be ok. As long as they work and show no signs of failure, leave them alone.
3) Don't know about color matching with iron on materials. Finishes fade over time; matching may be difficult.
Your plane will fly much better without that 30 oz. flight package. Good luck with the repairs and post pictures when you have completed it.
08-20-2010, 12:02 PM
#194
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RE: Is dope & fabric covering dead?
I bought an old 1/4 sig cub covered with fabric (no it's not iron on), how can I tell what type of fabric I have and are there repair kits available?
08-20-2010, 11:06 PM
#195
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RE: Is dope & fabric covering dead?
I think it is more important to know what paint finish is involved than the type of fabric. Patches can be put on with dope, or a water based varnish like "Crystal Clear" if the dope will react with an enamel finish. Obviously remove all oil, and sand the paint first.
08-21-2010, 06:42 AM
#196
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RE: Is dope & fabric covering dead?
ORIGINAL: aeomaster32
I think it is more important to know what paint finish is involved than the type of fabric. Patches can be put on with dope, or a water based varnish like ''Crystal Clear'' if the dope will react with an enamel finish. Obviously remove all oil, and sand the paint first.
I think it is more important to know what paint finish is involved than the type of fabric. Patches can be put on with dope, or a water based varnish like ''Crystal Clear'' if the dope will react with an enamel finish. Obviously remove all oil, and sand the paint first.
08-21-2010, 07:19 PM
#197
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RE: Is dope & fabric covering dead?
Ok guys I have a few questions;
What do I stick my patch (ceconite) on with, do I need super seam or just use Nitrate Dope?
How do I need to prepare the surface, do I have to remove the paint?
What do I need Tautening or Non-tautening Nitrate dope for nylon type fabric?
Are there any good instructions on the web how to patch a dope and fabric model?
Thanks!!
What do I stick my patch (ceconite) on with, do I need super seam or just use Nitrate Dope?
How do I need to prepare the surface, do I have to remove the paint?
What do I need Tautening or Non-tautening Nitrate dope for nylon type fabric?
Are there any good instructions on the web how to patch a dope and fabric model?
Thanks!!
09-11-2010, 09:30 AM
#199
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RE: Is dope & fabric covering dead?
Thanks everyone for the good advice. I wanted to give an update and run my plans by everyone. I've made the repairs inside the wing, cleaned off the paint with nitrate thinner down to the fabric around the area and doped the edges of a patch. Im planning on shrinking the patch with some heat then applying thinned nitrate to the entire patch before finishing with color butyrate. Just a few questions though;
1) How long should I wait before shrinking with heat?
2) How long should I wait between coats?
3) Should I sand between coats?
4) How many coats of nitrate should I apply?
Trying to keep dope and fabric alive!!
Thanks
1) How long should I wait before shrinking with heat?
2) How long should I wait between coats?
3) Should I sand between coats?
4) How many coats of nitrate should I apply?
Trying to keep dope and fabric alive!!
Thanks
09-11-2010, 10:30 AM
#200
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RE: Is dope & fabric covering dead?
OK, since you've chosen ceconite, here is what one of it's retailers has to say about shrinking it. It appears they really emphasize a specific temperature. Didn't see what that is.
What's That About Shrinking?
Unlike cotton or linen which were shrunk (tautened) by dope, Ceconite is precisely shrunk by heat, using a calibrated clothing iron. This lets you control the shrinking, giving you unmatched command of the covering process, producing predictably superior results every time. Because calibrated temperatures are important to the shrinking process, however, you shouldn't use a heat gun, which gives you no control.
Unlike cotton or linen which were shrunk (tautened) by dope, Ceconite is precisely shrunk by heat, using a calibrated clothing iron. This lets you control the shrinking, giving you unmatched command of the covering process, producing predictably superior results every time. Because calibrated temperatures are important to the shrinking process, however, you shouldn't use a heat gun, which gives you no control.