I'm putting together a GP PT-40 and I'm about to put in the hinges on the rudder, ailerons and I have a question to ask.
Would it be best to cover all the parts first or go ahead and install all the hinges and cover later.[]
wattmeter

I like to cover first and then install the hinges and control surfaces.
Paul

Cut the hinge slots now so they are ready, but I prefer to cover first and then do the hinging

For sure!
Prepare your surfaces, cut the hinge slots,then cover!
It's very difficult to cover around hinges after they're installed

Maybe I am a bit odd but I do mine in a particular way.

1) Slot the control surface for the hinges. Be sure the hinges slide in and out smoothly.
2) Iron on a strip of covering to the leading edge of the elevator/rudder, and a strip of covering onto the trailing edge of the stab/fin. Make small slits into the covering where the hinges go.
3) Test fit the hinges again into both surfaces. When satisfied with the fit and the flexing permanently glue the hinges in place.
4) Push toothpicks vertically into the balsa and into the hinge to help secure it. CA the toothpick, cut and sand smooth.
5) Cover the remaining surfaces as normal.

This serves two purposes.
1) Gives the added strength of the toothpicks holding the hinge in
2) No worries of dripping CA onto the finished covering as you sometimes get when installing hinges after covering is completed.

Has anyone tried the hinge points.. Im using them for the first time because I like to try new things with each build. They were easy to get setup and look real nice.. howeer. .after covering... im concerend about getting the expoxy down into the hole and not on the hinge pin, etc itself. Has anyone used these before. This is where I'm at pre-covering.

I prefer the Hinge Points as well. I use the hinge glue, which has tip that lets you inject the glue into the hole. If I were using epoxy, I'd try to get a syringe or something to shoot the glue into the holes.

Good luck

I like hinge points too.

What I do is to dab the hinge area with Vaseline (it doesn't take much), then heat it with a match or heat gun so it melts into the hinge. When it cools, it returns to its jelly-like state so it won't run onto the gluing area.

Now you can install them with your glue of choice and the glue won't get into the hinge.

Ok it seams everyone agrees I should cover first and then hinge the parts. Many Thanks to all for the advice.
wattmeter
(Bill)

post in error

thanks Minn... I never heard of heating it before... do you reccoment the same on the torque rod installation maybe sans heating? I usually put a servo in each wing I'm bulding this vintage kit (firebird) and want to keep it stock this time.

Yes, I do that on torque rods too. And you can even heat it. The Vaseline will melt long before the plastic bushing gets too hot.