RCU Forums - View Single Post - What the hell did I get myself into?
View Single Post
Old 12-29-2014 | 06:15 PM
  #8  
Propworn's Avatar
Propworn
My Feedback: (3)
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,489
Received 32 Likes on 26 Posts
From: Canada
Default

Originally Posted by Rapid13
Thanks for the words of encouragement! I will try to keep updating this as a build thread as TomCrump suggested. I got the kit today and checked out the pieces for damage. So far so good. Then I unrolled the plans and found out my building table is not big enough to lay the plans out completely. I built a work bench exactly like the one in the manual and used a 30x80 interior door. I guess I will have to move the plans as I build different sections. The manual says to separate all the parts and label them. Seems like a pain and a good way to lose parts. Is it really necessary to do that? Or can I take what I need as I need it like building a car kit?
No need to separate parts but do go through the kit and make sure all the parts are there before you start. I like to only remove the parts that I will immediately put to use that way I don't damage or miss lay them somewhere. An interior door is not the best but it will do if it’s straight and not warped. Remember the parts you build on that table will duplicate any warps in that building table. I have switched to solid core doors though much heavier they hold their shape for a very long time. I have had mine for 15 or more years. You will be pinning parts to the table top and there are several surfaces you can cover the door with. What ever you do don’t glue it to the door it will shrink and expand at a different rate than the door and will warp with a change in temperature and or humidity. On my solid core doors I cover mine in homosoate and fasten it with a few drywall screws. It is a sound deadening board made of compressed paper. It holds pins the best of any surfaces I have used. Model rail road guys use it under their tracks and a single spike every foot or so holds the track in place for ever. You will have to look for it as it’s not that common any more.

I like to cover my plans with wax paper and build right on top. Use the paper with the heavier wax content. As long as you don’t flood the joint the wax paper will protect your plans. The brand I like to use is Reynolds Cutright Wax Paper.

I recommend using a yellow highlighter and highlight every step as you complete it. That way if you skip a step to do later a quick glance through a missed step will stand out. If you leave your construction for a while you know exactly where you left off.

Take your time cut and fit twice glue once.

Dennis