RCU Forums - View Single Post - Lets talk about hinges
View Single Post
Old 11-20-2008 | 10:11 AM
  #7  
Rcpilot's Avatar
Rcpilot
My Feedback: (78)
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,808
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
Default RE: Lets talk about hinges

Check my build thread on the Midwest Citabria. Aileron hinging begins on page 2 at post #42.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_77..._2/key_/tm.htm

I made a jig that rides on the trailing edge. It's got a spacer and guide so the drill bit enters the trailing edge exactly in the middle. If you can use a pencil to mark the holes on the wing and aileron, you can't screw this up.

After all the holes are drilled, I also use a cone shaped dremel tool and run it in enough so the knuckle of the hinge has a place to sit. This is an important step if you don't want 1/4" wide hinge gaps.

I like to glue the hinges in AFTER it's covered. You ever tried to cover a wing with 2 ailerons flopping around? [:-] I usually just use an exacto to cut the holes after the parts are covered. The soldering gun works good too because it seals the edges as it melts the hole.

I glue one side at a time. I rarely try and glue the entire control surface onto the wing all at once. I usually glue the hinges into the wing first. Let them dry overnight and then put the ailerons the next day.

Alignment with Robarts is EASY. Put the glue in the holes on the wing. Slide all the hinges in. Set them at the right depth. I try and set the pivot point about 1/16" from the trailing edge of the wing. This gives a 1/8" hinge gap, which is fine for most 60-120 size birds. Slip the aileron on, but not all the way. Leave 1/4" or more in the hinge gap. Remember, you're only glueing the hinges to the WING right now. There shouldn't be any glue in the holes for the ailerons.

Here's the easy part:
Flex the aileron back and forth to full deflection a couple times. The Robart hinges will naturally swivel around and line up all by themselves. Nothing can bind up. Just flex the control surface a few times to full deflection and watch the Robarts turn to line up perfectly.

When it comes time to glue the aileron onto the hinges, Just drop some glue in the holes and slip it on. Flex to make sure there is no binding. If you did it right yesterday they will not bind. Slide the ailerons all the way onto the hinges and adjust your hinge gaps. Use blue masking tape to secure the control surfaces to the wings until the glue sets. Usually overnight. Next day, take the tape off and test them by flexing. Usually works pretty good.