RE: 12' Laser-cut Telemaster Kit Build
Building the rudder:
The rudder is made up of several sheet parts laminated to a plywood core, with ribs added to that and sheeting over the whole thing. When I first read the instructions on how to build the rudder it seemed intimidating, but once I got into it everything made sense. Once all the parts are located, construction begins. Given the thin sheets involved I used CA for the entire rudder. The rudder is built one side at a time.
- 1/16" balsa sheets are laminated to a 1/16" ply core using the registration pins.
- More laminations are added, again using the pins.
- A laser-cut leading edge slots into the plywood core
- Ribs are then added to the structure along with the hinge pocket covers.
- The area at the base of the rudder has to be sanded so the rudder skin fits properly.
- Using the registration pins, the rudder skin is added to the assembly.
- The second side of the rudder is build just like the first side up to the point where the rudder skin is added.
- Because the completed side of the rudder is curved, you can't use the registration pins. Two pieces of 1/8" dowel are used instead. Once the dowels are inserted in the rudder assembly, adding the skin is a cinch. The result is a strong and warp-resistant part.
- After assembly the leading edge is removed in way of the slot for the elevator.
Like the fin, construction went quickly. I built the rudder in maybe half an hour. Part fit was excellent.
The next post shows the completed empennage...