Hello, id like to know if any of you guys have tried the great planes hinge sloting tool? Just wondering how well this thing really does the job.

Yep! It is a nice tool. I have had the battery version[sm=thumbdown.gif] and presently have the 110v version[sm=thumbup.gif][sm=thumbup.gif]. The battery is too weak and lame to do a whole plane in one charge. Also the hinge guide and wider blades for Dubro hinges are a nice addition to the machine. I like mine quite a bit. Get one.

The only problem with it is that you only get to cut 10-15 slots per plane!!! If you are going to use CA hinges this is a must tool. You can cut all of you slots in 5-10 minutes. Money well spent here.

Hope this helps.

I wouldn't be without one!

When I first this thing advertised, I snorted in derision. Then a pal talked me into trying his.

As far as I'm concerned, this gadget should be right behind a Moto-Tool on any builder's list of necessary power tools.

And get the corded model. Its always ready when you are...

Thought it was a gimmick when first saw it but price wasn't bad so I got it. good tool and does a good job. be sure to get both blade sets, 110v plug-in version and cutting guide tool. Whips through the slots in a hurry. Hint: Practice a few times on scrap to get the feel of it, it does take a little getting used to but just a little.

I have the corded model, and quite honestly, I can cut the hinge slots just as easily with a #11 blade. I started going back to the #11 blade when I could not get the slot machine into the areas I needed (end aileron slot ) due to other things being in the way.

My slot cutter has been sitting in the box for well over a year now. IMO, it is a nice "GADGET", but not really needed. The money can be better spent on other things (CA, covering material, etc )

put in my vote for a fabulous tool. It is especially helpful on an ARF where you have to finish the slots. Sometimes there is a hard spot in there (rib, glue, hard wood) that would drive you nuts trying to cut through by hand. The power tool cuts right through.

peter

Wouldn't be without mine. The Note by Bruce to practice on some scrap is the best advice on this thread. If you don't line it up properly you can create a mess. I like the idea of two types of blades too. I tried it on some hardwood, bad idea. It only cost me a set of blades which aren't expensive. Now I keep an extra set on hand.

If I am doing a few Ca hinges I use a #11 blade, if I am hinging for pined hinges, it is a must. It makes nice clean open slots for the wider plastic of the pined hinges. it will pay for itself in not time with reduced frustration.


Dru.

P.S. Get the corded model, both blade sets, and the guide.

I've had mine since they first came out on ther market. Needless to say, I don't know how many models I've cut out the hinge slots for. I know that it beats the ole #11 blade. I've yet to cut my finger to the bone using the machine. I plan to use it until ot breaks, and then I'll get a new one.

Personally I think it's the best thing for RC in the last 20 years.

Make sure you get the little red plastic "Guide" for it. Without the guide, it takes a little practice to get it right, but the guide takes all of the hassle out of getting it straight.

Another vote here for having one. I have the 110v model and wouldn't be without it. I would not recommend the battery powered one though. As said, it just doesn't have the staying power.

This is THE BEST tool to have in your shop ! After fussing and feuding with a hobby knife and gouging poking and all of that (*^%*# on a biplane's hinges, I went and bought one of the A/C ones, and mercy sakes, it's AWESOME !!!

If you choose your trailing edge wood carefully, all you really need is old #11. I score a centering pass, then follow up with a couple more passes with additional pressure, and then pop in a EZ hinge or piece of TYVEK. If you build with tough [heavy] T.E. wood, then "the gadget" is money well spent.

Ditto to Minnflyer. get the red plastic centering tool. I've only built two kits, the first I got half way through slotting with a #11 and became very frustrated. The slot machine made slotting fun!

I have found that you do need to plan your slotting a bit as the slot machine will not get into tight corners (next to wingtips or fuselages). I just make sure to cut slots in TE pieces a little earlier than the plans may call for.

Incredible machine! Takes minutes what used to take hours for cutting 16 hinge slots! If mine broke, I'd buy another one!