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Old 08-02-2005 | 08:09 AM
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piper_chuck
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From: Columbia, SC
Default RE: First build list - LT-40 + stuff

First, give up on the idea of buying everything you need in one trip, it ain't gonna happen. Get used to regular visits to the shop to buy a couple little odds and ends that you forgot.

I don't have a hinge machine, but I'm not going to argue against one. I prefer golden rods over metal rods, I figure all that metal running parallel to the antenna may reduce range. I agree with Bruce, don't bother with an aluminum spinner, a plastic one will be fine. You have an iron listed, but not a heat gun. I consider both to be necessary. I have a miter box, but I NEVER use it. Pinned hinges? I've never had a hinge come out, pinned or CA. Nothing wrong with pinned hinges, but I really like the simplicity of CA hinges. CA debonder is good, but I believe acetone works just as well and is much less money. Do not buy anything shorter than 15 minute epoxy, 5 minute does not cure as strong, does not bond as well with the wood, and doesn't give enough working time to ensure good alignment of parts.

Unless you are getting a package deal from the shop I'd skip the support equipment for now. This includes reamer, glow starter, fuel pump, etc. They are not needed for the build.

I would add the following to the list:

A couple accurate metal straight edges, perhaps 12 and 24 inches.

An accurate metal square. This is useful to ensure parts are square, and also for making square cuts.

Sanding bars in several lengths with self adhesive sandpaper. Until you have a few of these, you have no idea how useful they are.

Single edge razor blades. These actually cut balsa better than xacto knives because they are thinner. They are also much better for cutting covering. Buy these and your xacto blades in boxes of 100 so you don't hesitate throwing away blades when they start getting dull.

I'm sure there's more, but I've got to get some work done.