Have a Hangar 9, 80" CAP ARF that comes with CA Hinges...should I stick with the supplied hinges or opt for another CA Hinge? What about using Robarts?

Comments/experience/suggestions or donations greatly appreciated!

I'd stick with the CA hinges. You'll get several diferent answers as this is usually a personal preference. When installed correctly, the CA hinges are quite adequate. if you're unsure about the proper installation, just run a search for CA Hinges. There's a ton of info out there. Good luck with your build.

Check this article out:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...?article_id=55

I agree with using CA hinges but I don't trust the ones that typically come with ARFs. I have always used Sig Easy Hinges without any failures so I have no reason to try any other brand.

I now use Robart exclusively.

Robart for me. I have been told the CA hinges will fail on the Hanger 9 Cap 80".
This is the plane I'm building and I tossed them and am using Robart.



HLC

Get rid of those CA hinges and go with Robarts or a good pinned hinge!

I personally wouldn't use ca hinges for 25% scale and above. Having said that, even Robart hinges need proper installation or they will fail on ya

Question for those of you using Robart hinge points on pre-built ARFs: how do you know there is enough material (ie. thickness) to the wing trailing edge and ailerons (if built-up) to securely anchor the hinges. Robarts require at least 3/4" thickness in the balsa it's going into to be secure. Are you guys opening up the wings to check this and make required modifications??

When building from a kit, I usually instal Robart hinge points, but on an ARF, I use the supplied ca hinges and haven't had a problem. If you want to be extra safe, just add one or to additional ca hinges per control surface and the installation will be bullet proof.

Mike, great artical!

CA hinges are for the birds. First, they don't put the pivot in the right place. Probably not a big deal, but why do something wrong on purpose? Robart Hinges are the way to go.

http://www.airfieldmodels.com/inform...ints/index.htm

Your first reply told you that you would get many different answers. Now you know why. It really is personal preference. On my arf's I use CA hinges. I have been flying a Great Planes 25% Patty Wagstaff Extra since spring with CA hinges and have had no problems whatsoever. When I build a more complex scale model I use either Robart or Klett hinges depending on the subject. Another point I continue to mention but no one really seems to care. Is the warranty issue. If your plane goes in due to hinge failure I don't think H9 will back up any warranty claims if any thing other than CA hinges are used.

What pivot?

Marcus

Exactly.

CA hinges are meant to FLEX. They are cheaper and easier to install, which when done properly will last just like any other standard-sized hinges.

My point was that the leading edge of a control surface is radiused. A proper hinge will be centered at the center of radius. You can't do that with a CA hinge which means it is fundamentally in the wrong place. But like I said, for the most part it's not an issue. I just find it a lot easier to drill holes than to try to cut slots and keep them all lined up.

If you ever saw any of my planes you would see that every control surface is dead-aligned with the flight surface that it's attached to.

Maybe a diagram will help explain better

Hey Guys-- Just wanted to interject a suggestion for those of you that prefer ca hinges. Radio South makes a 1/4 scale Pro-Hinge that has a mylaar center sandwiched between two layers of the normal ca wicking material. They are blue in color and super tough. I get mine from tower---24 per pack @ $2.00---Anyway check them out if your after a little extra in a ca hinge--happy building!!!

True a full scale plane will have the pivot point of the hinge the center of the radius of the flight control.
But in a model in order to do this you would have to bury the pivot point of the hinge within the
flight control.Think about it,wont work.

It does work. I do it on almost every plane I build.

I think a point has been missed here... As with any material, if you go beyond its elasticity limits, it will eventually break... Just like with a spring, if you stretch it to far enough times, it will eventually break...

I feel the use of CA hinges is fine as long as the control surface movement is not to great... Those that are into 3D type control surface movements (over 30 degrees), then a robart (or other hinge type) might be the best choice... For most flyer's (control surface movements of 15 degrees or less) the CA hinge will perform and last just fine... I use both types of hinges and as yet have never (in 18 years) experienced a hinge failure of any kind... I believe hinge failure is a result of poor installation technique and/or use of poor quality hinges... Buy and use what ever suits your needs...

Oh Boy you had to ask ???[&o][&o][][]

I am using Robart hinges for the first time on a GP RV-4 kit. I have been using the Dubro pinned hinges for a long time with good results, but I just wanted to try the hinge points. I picked the Robarts because I have flaps on the RV-4 and wanted to hinge from the bottom of the flaps and have an exposed hingepoint showing.

I found CafeenMan's site a lot of help in deciding how to install the hinge points. I never really understood the hinge point being in the radius of the leading edge of the control surface until I looked at his site and read all TWELVE (12) pages explaining the entire process. Thanks CafeenMan!!