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Old 03-02-2005 | 05:13 AM
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Countryboy
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From: Lawrenceburg, KY
Default RE: 1st Time Using Point Hinges = LARGE Gap


ORIGINAL: Crash Master

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I did have a bit of a problem with the poly glue gumming up the hinge as it expanded, even after putting some light (Mystery) oil on the hinges. I ended up having to use a toothpick soaked in acetone to clean the excess glue out and reoiling, but the hinges seem pretty free-moving this morning. I think on the next set of hinges I put in I'm going to try vaseline on the hinges instead of the oil to see if that will keep them free-moving better than the oil
First off, I never glue the hinge in both surfaces at the same time... and never having used the poly glue, I can't speak for it's use. What work's for me is to first coat the hinge pin with melted paraffin wax which I then set aside until the wax turns solid again. Once the wax solidifies, it creates a semi-hard shell around the hinge pin which acts as a penetration barrier.

I then set whatever surface I plan on installing the hinges in first " Usually the fixed surface" up on edge, so that the hinge holes are vertical. Now, I mix a batch of Devcon brand 30 minute epoxy in a small one ounce mixing cup, which I warm with a heat gun until it turns a watery consistency. I now fill the hinge holes with the epoxy while using a round toothpick to spread the epoxy in the hole, and to help purge air pockets. Once the holes are filled, I insert the hinge points slowly until the epoxy starts to spill from the holes, which I immediately clean away with q-tips soaked in denatured alcohol... push the hinge in a little more and repeat the q-tips soaked in denatured alcohol. I do this until the hinges are seated fully, then I install the hinged surface onto the hinges making sure that all the hinge points are parallel & true. I flex the surface back and forth several times to make sure I have free movement, then tape it tight until the epoxy sets. Once the epoxy sets, remove the control surface and repeat the gluing & cleaning process for the hinged surface.

Once the epoxy has cured on both sides of the hinge point, remove the tape and work the control surface. It way be a little stiff at first because of the hardened wax in the hinge pin. Now clean any left over hardened epoxy & wax from the pin... and you have it. Also, make sure to clean the hinge points before installing, as you don't want any body oil on them that may have been picked up from you handling them.