Ok, first change from the instructions. Well, not really a change. I think that Somegeek (or maybe Tigerdude) commented in his build about dihedral gauger. I just didn't like the look of it at all. On one side of the gauger is supposed to be a 90° angle to the bottom, and the other face is supposed to be used to set the dihedral angle of the wing. As you can see in my first picture that both sides of gauger have a “curve” in them. I just don't like the thought of using this to set the proper dihedral angle, so decided to go ahead and make a new one before I got going on the rest of the build.

Since there is a template printed in the instruction manual it's a fairly easy procedure to make a new one. I scanned the template into my computer. I printed out the scan to can compared it to the template in the manual to make sure it was the correct size. Once I was sure I saved the scan into a PDF file (PDF's are great for this sort of thing because it keeps the size correct no matter what computer or software is used to print it out). I've uploaded the PDF to one of my servers in case anybody else out there needs a copy of it.

[link=http://review.infinityok.com/dihedral_guide.pdf ]LT-40 Dihedral Gauge Template [/link]

When separating out parts, the inside of former F-4 is a perfect piece of scrap wood to make a new dihedral gauger from. Cut out the template you printed, making sure to it “oversize” leaving some extra paper around the template. The easiest way to make a new gauger is to attach the template to the wood. I use 3M 77 adhesive spray to attach it with. Spray a light coat on the wood and wait a few minutes for it to partially dry, then press the template onto the wood and then let it dry. I use my scroll saw to cut the new gauger, just cutting close to the line. If you don't have a scroll saw you can use a razor saw (I told you it was a must have too ) to cut it out with. Then you want to sand it down to the lines on the template, sanding down to “just touching” the printed line. Take your time and only sand a little bit at a time. Once you have the new gauger finished make sure you double check it with the template printed in the manual to make sure you have it correct.

Cool, looks like we're just about ready to actually start the build (whew, finally). The instruction manual tells you to cut the left wing panel plan from the plan sheets. I used to cut my plans, but I try not to do that anymore. If you can place you plans on the table without cutting them it would be best to do it that way. If you really think you need to cut your plans you can get a copy of them made first. Any Office Depot/Staples/Office Max should be able to make you a copy of your plans. Just make sure to check and ensure they did an accurate copy of them before you leave the store. Most copy center's will help you make sure. Now attach your the plan to the workbench with the left wing panel showing. Make sure you room on all sides to work with. Attach the plans with some scotch or masking tape, and then put a sheet of plan protector (wax paper or plastic sheet) over the plans. Make sure the planes are completely flattened out on the work bench.

Time to start building!!!

Pictures
1. Original dihedral gauge. Notice "curved" sides
2. Scrap wood from inside of former F4, good size to make new part
3. Verify that scrap wood is big enough to cut new part
4. Spray scrap wood with adhesive to apply dihedral gauge template.
5. New gauge comparing to original gauge
6. New gauge. Verified size with template in manual. Ready to go.
7. Left wing plan layed out on building board. Ready to start building!!


Until next time

Ken