I've got an Ultimate Bipe ARF that has the hinge slots already cut.

I want to install the robart hinge points with gorilla glue.

Can I just drill the hole in the middle of the slots or should I drill new holes away from the slots? I don't want to weaken the structure either way...

I don't want to use the CA hinges...

Suggestions please...

Thanks

how about maybe using ca to seal up the slots-no hinges installed, then drill the holes for the hinge points. that way the drill bit won't spli the wood when it goes into the slot.

Trying to drill a staight hole through the CA'ed area will be challenging. The gorilla glue will fill the slots as it expands. If it were me, I would go that route.

Dan

There is no CA in the slots yet... it's a new plane...

I was offering a different perspective with regards to mrbigg's idea. Make sure you use a drill bit that's nice and sharp. That way it won't try to wonder and it should drill a clean hole without cracking the trailing edge. Do you know what the thickness is of the wing's trailing edge? Some ARFs have a pretty thin TE and there isn't hardly enough wood for the hingepoint to grab. You'll also need to make sure there is enough height to the trailing edge to use a hingpoint that's of adequate size. It will probably be best to drill where the slots are cut because there's a chance the manufacturer beefed up that area a little. In case you decide to go with CA hinges, I've used Radio South's 1/4-scale CA hinges on planes up to a Great Planes Wagstaff Extra (glow powered) with no problems.

Dan