chuck l

My Feedback: (17)

How you guys cut a nice straight line in the covering, particularly where it is wrapped around the leading edge of the wing?

Chuck

airbusdrvr

I align the straight covering edge along the wing leading edge held in place with several straight pins. After attaching covering to wing, I trim the trailing edge.

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

Use a long, metal straightedge (36 inch) and have several brand-new razor blades on hand.

Here are some good videos on covering:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=726

Scirocco14

Iuse one of these when I cover, and it makes it easy to get those straight lines. It is a film trimmer by Harry Higley.

http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/hig/higjft001.htm



Hope this helps!

Mark

daveopam

My Feedback: (9)

I pre cut mine on a piece of glass. I use a ruler made of fabric like a taylor would use. Measure the length at both ends and the width. Then cut it on the glass, stick the LE down first then stretch and tack the TE. The better the stretch the better the finished product. Then start at the center and work your way out. I like to use a iron with a sock. If you want to use a heat gun be sure to stick all four edges down good first.


David

KitBuilder

I cover the bottom first..... then wrap the leading edge around the top and onto the bottom about a 1/2 incht. Cut with a sharp exacto and straight edge.. The seam is now facing away from the fuel flow and ultracote is thin so the seam veritually disappears plus its on the bottom of the wing and not seen.

chuck l

My Feedback: (17)

Thanks for the help. Cutting the pieces to size on a granite countertop before hand made a big difference and a nicer looking finish.

SeamusG

I use a Hobbico cutting mat. It holds the piece in place nicely. A straight edge laid so that it is flat to the film. Some of my straight edges have a cork backing that holds the edge about 1/32" off the film - allows the film to be pulled messing up the cut. Only limitation is the length - 33" (I think). For longer cuts I'll use a mirror (48") and tape the film to the mirror to keep it from pulling when cutting.

Best practices for covering wings have the bottom covered first, wrapped up over the LE by 1/2". Then wrap the top film over the LE by 1/2". Great to keep the fuel residue from getting under the top covering.

Sometimes you want the yellow bottom and gray top film to create a nice straight line at the center of the LE. I have used a piece of blue tape to establish the line of the cut when applying the top film AND new (or just strapped) blades. A good job cannot afford a "snag cut" when using a used blade. I'll use a 1/2" strip of clear Ultracote over the LE to ensure that it is fuel proof - especially on the bottom wing of a bipe.

OK, who's gonna call me on doing the top first then the bottom?