Some in my family don't know what to get me for Christmas this year. Since I have gotten immersed in RC, I just as soon give them some ideas for airplane stuff. I am wrapping up my first plane - LT-40 and will soon be in the covering stage. But I dont have any tools to do it.

What tools (specifc recommedations would be nice to steer me in the right direction, since this area is still uncharted for me) does a covering novice like me need to do a good job? I know a heat iron is important. What about that blow dryer looking thing (forgive my lack of covering vocabulary)? Any other worthwhile tools that would make the job easier and better looking?

Thanks.

Hi byris,

How about having them give you gift certificates to a local hobby shop, or to Tower hobbies, or to whereever. That way if you pick out the wrong blower or iron, it is your fault and not theirs.

Also if any is left over, you can get another roll of monocote or whatever. Otherwise if three of the family all get you a covering iron, you do not have to return them. And we all know the problems with returning gifts!

Mic

Aside from an iron, a "Heat Gun" is a VERY handy tool for covering.

And razor blades... LOTS of razor blades!

Any particular iron? I know some have larger heat ranges than others. What's a good multipurpose iron that will work with both Ultracote and Monocote?

Here's a list of specifics. I have most of these items and really like them.

Covering Iron $27.99 this is the one I have
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXB361&P=0
The temp adjustment is on the handle, away from the hot parts. Temp is listed in degrees rather than 0-5 on other irons.

Socks for covering iron $3.49 reduce scratching of covering from rubbing the iron around. Cotton baby socks work good and are cheaper
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXB363&P=0

Thermometer for iron to be more precise $4.99 I do not have one of these
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXB352&P=0

Heat gun $12.99 great for shrinking covering on large areas this is the one I have
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJD39&P=0

Trim Iron $21.99 used in tight corners and for small areas. A luxury item I do not have.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXB365&P=0

Woodpecker $13.99 I have one; makes tiny holes in sheeting to help reduce bubbling. can also perforate covering to reduce bubbling when layering the covering
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXHZ26&P=0

Don't forget a pair of gloves when working with the heat gun....

They have +ve and -ve impact. Plus side is that they keep you from burning your hand if you blast it with hot air. Down side is that if you blast your hand too long, the glove gets hot and burns you before you get it off.... ;-) Ask me, I know.

Basically, be careful with hot things....

gus

So, tell me what happens when you blast your hand too long?

Just messin' with ya!

Some aluminum straight edges are ESSENTIAL to have as well. A couple of 1' or 18" aluminum rulers (without the cork on them) that will sit flush on the table and a couple of aluminum yardsticks are essential. Both are pretty cheap at Office Depot or Lowes or wherever. You will play heck with plastic of wooden straight edges. Also a sheet of 1/8"-1/4" glass 2'x4' is handy to have but not essential, I have made do in my wifes formica countertops.. Monokote cuts so much cleaner on a clean glass surface.

I would suggest the 21st Century iron. I believe it is or was a Black Barron product. About the best iron out there. I have never used a heat gun. Always just used my iron. Never had any problems.

Mark Shuman