I was wondering what others do to hinge sheet balsa control surfaces (rudder and elevator). I'm new to r/c 1/2A building. I'm working on a simple 400. The plan recomends hinging with thread. I'm looking for a cleaner look. The surfaces seem too thin for c/a hinges. Any suggestions? Also I was considering tape for the aleron hinges. Suggestions for the alerons are also appreciated.


Thanks, Darren

How thick is the material? You'd be surprised how thin a surface can be hinged with the thin CA type hinges if you're careful. I do 3/32" & 1/8" stock regularly. If it's 1/16", bevel the elev. up from from the bottom and use a 1" wide strip of your iron on film, top & bottom. Just cover both surfaces 1st, iron on the top hinge strip 1st, fold the elev. over on top of the stab., then iron on the bottom strip. Leave about a 3/64" gap between the stab & elev. so the top & bottom strips of film are ironed together. Much harder to describe than to do! Also, clean the surfaces with acetone or alcohol before beginning to remove any skin oils.

Monokote over and under hinges. I've used them on many models up to 25 size over the years with excellent success.

I've also used the CA mylar strip hinges on 1/2 A's as well down to 1/8 thick. For the small ones like this I cut them in half so they are only about 1/4 wide but full length for less resistance but good gluing.

Thanks for the reply from both of you. The material is 3/32nds. It's good to know c/a hinges will work.

Darren

I cut regular CA hinges into strips about 1/4" wide and slit the wood with a #11 blade. I have also used monokote hinges many times in the past but since the CA hinges came on the scene they are the easiest - for me anyway.

AJC

I just checked and the following thread is still available. Check it out for several ways of making your hinges. http://www.flightlines.com/forum/For...ML/000053.html
Swooper's method works very well on all thicknesses of material.

I use the CA hinges also cut down to about 1/8 for .010 to .020 and 1/4 for .049 to .10. Have not had any problem in 1/16 balsa. Well, I take that back. I did have one break on my Pageboy pulser. After 12 years of flapping that rudder one hinge did break but that was over 350 plus flights!!!

Bob Harris
Early RC models
www.earlyrcmodels.com

Excellent link Rodney, alot of great hinging iformation.

Thank you,

Darren

I prefer covering hinges.

Here's my technique. I bevel the control surface and tape it into place on the opposite side from what I'm covering. I then cover the main part of the wing and bend the aileron 90 degrees and iron into the hinge gap and then continue ironing over the control surface. I do it with 1 piece of covering over both the flying surface and the control surface. I then flip it over, remove the tape and do the other side. On larger planes I use conventional hinges and then a covering hinge over top.

Here's a picture showing what it looks like when done.

Clockwise from the top left: Sig Kougar elevator with CA hinges, .46 size Pitts ailerons with Du-Bro hinges, 1/2A Ultimate tail with Ultracote covering hinges, .15 size Sopwith Pup Aileron with a Solartex covering hinge.

rrragmanliam

I use CA hinges and they have worked well for me. I ensure that all surfaces have the square edges removed or beveled. Then I cover them. Take a CA hinge and cut it in half. Next cut the corners off creating a pointed tip on both ends of the CA Hinge. This will help the hinge to slide into the hinge slot. Cut hinge slots with a no. 11 exacto blade. I have hinged surfaces as thin as 1/16" although its tricky. If I have a surface that is 1/16" I normally replace it with one that is 3/32". Have fun.

Hec