Hi I'm building a four star 60, I decided to use robart hinge points instead of CA hinges. My question is should I use the same locations marked on the plan, or can I move the hinges where there is more meat in the control surface? or should I add material in the specified locations?

My reason for the switch to hinge points is this is the preferred method for 1/4 scale and up planes....and this is where I eventualy want to go.

Thanks for your help!

Regards

Mark

Mark,

If the hinge positions are evenly spaced on the plan, I would just add some balsa blocks in the hinge locations.

If you don't have one get one of the hinge point drilling jigs. They realy make the job easier. Be very careful to line up the holes and use epoxy to glue them in place.

AndyF

AndyF

Thanks for the reply! I bought the 50 pack with the jig! Thats what forced me to go this way!...LOL!!!

I dont have the slotting tools for CA hinges, and this looks fool proof.....as i can be a fool at times....LOL

happy flying!

regards

mark

Hi Mark,

I first use hinge points about 25 years ago. I always had trouble lining up the holes. One thing that I found that worked really well is to use a "brad point" drill bit. That way when you make your centering marks, you can slide the bit into the jig and then put the point right on the crossmarks.

I agree with you, I think they are the way to go for the bigger planes. Another trick that I have learned is to lubricate the hinge with some grease that will not attack plastic. That way the epoxy doesn't stick and freeze the hinge. And the last piece of free advise is to us a triangle to makes sure that each hinge point is perpendicular to the control surface while the glue cures.

I found out the hard way once that it works better if they are all turned the same way.

Good luck on your project.

Andy

AndyF

Any advise on what kind on grease?...Vasaleen?

regards
Mark

Mark,

I use a hi-temp silicone grease, it is like the stuff they put on the nylon servo gears.

You might not need it but I would rather not have the epoxy my the hinges stick.

Andy

AndyF

Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge!

Regards

Mark