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Old 02-03-2009 | 04:05 PM
  #21  
Clay Walters
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Default RE: aileron to main wing gap

icarius98,

You'll have to look at your own installation. What you should consider is that CA will only give you its best when the fit is good and on surfaces that have not been previously exposed to CA, oil, grease, or wax. CA doesn't penetrate deeply but it will migrate rapidly.

When you cut your aileron free from the trailing edge of the wing you'll better be able to inspect the slots and previous hinge material imbedded. If the slots are off center you may be able to reslot that segment of the wing properly centered this time and have new wood meeting new hinge. But this would have to be true for the trailing edge of the wing AND the mating control surface. Also consider the spacing so as to best support the control surface. Most of the time you are not going to have too many hinges but no need adding any more than needed either.

The old slot is now filled with a CA soaked hinge and the wood there is very strong. But, if the slot was wider than the hinge the CA probably migrated over that surface, the gap is not supported, and you cannot glue new-to-new. But you might be able to run an emory board or file thru it and rough it up and work some epoxy in it. But that's just unnecessary if you have plenty of new space available. Just set the aileron up to the wing and pencil marks for your new hinge spaces, cut your slots, install new hinges. You will need to take care this time around as you probably won't have room to do it all over a 3rd time. (can you feel the pressure? )

The half inch either side is just a safety margin to get new hinge on new wood. Not necessary but its a good idea. If you have some scrap balsa around and some left over hinges I suggest you try making your own slots, installing hinges, let dry, cut, and reinstall both off to the side and directly over the first hinge. Then try pulling them all apart. You'll also be able to dissect and determine how well the CA wicks into the hinge and slot and how much (or little) is needed to keep things together for yourself. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...P?I=LXDZ43&P=8

Just don't rush,

Clay