Kit Building "Necessities"
 

I'm getting closer to building a kit....I can feel the urge coming.
Besides glue, what else is absolutely needed? I've seen things like building boards, wing jigs, etc. in catalogs and online. I'm really anal when it comes to building things and I like to have all the equipment/materials that i need ahead of time. What do you guys think is necessary?


Mario

Building equipment
 

The necessary equipment will vary greatly with the project chosen. A Sig Somethin Extra will require a small flat building surface (I use an MDF base with ceiling tile to push the pins into) and a few hobby knives // sandpaper // drill and bits // screwdrivers and the like. Set up equipment such as squares and triangles also help along with covering equipment such as irons and heat gun. A Carden 40% will require quite a different set of equipment to include a good fuselage jig and laminating equipment to sheet the wings and other parts.
Bill

Kit Building "Necessities"
 

Hi Mario: Glue, Thick and thin ca, Epoxy 5, and 30 min, exacto knife, and blades to fit it ,(usually #11). you may want a sharpening stone. A razor saw, (not necessary but nice, and not terribly expensive). Drill and bits. Monokote, or ultrakote covering, (my preference) probably 2 rolls, depends on the size model you are covering. A covering iron, heat gun, again not necessary but handy. A seamstress measuring tape, I use 2, to help tru the wing, and makes it easier to measure on curved surfaces for covering. I like to cut my covering on a glass surface. T-pins, or I like to use thumb tacks as well. Some lightweight clamps, I use Stanley quick clamps. If any shaping is needed a razor plane is nice, as well as a sanding bar, and some 100 grit and 400 grit sand paper. I use 3m77 spray adhesive to stick the sandpaper to the bar, not much is needed. Did I forget anything. OH YEAH, but I think this only applies to me. Another kit of same plane, so I have all the spare parts I need unless I mess up parts more then twice. :D If you have an unlimited budget let me know I can think of alot more goodies to make it easier. Always glad to help if I can. Garry

Kit Building "Necessities"
 

Mario, don't be surprised that your tooling cost will eventually be more than your plane and radio items put together. But if you're serious, it's an investment because eventually you save cost by using these tools to build kits (cheaper than ARFs), repair jobs, and even make your own flight equipment. Good luck........

Kit Building "Necessities"
 

Mario, don't be surprised that your tooling cost will eventually be more than your plane and radio items put together. But if you're serious, it's an investment because eventually you save cost by using these tools to build kits (cheaper than ARFs), repair jobs, and even make your own flight equipment. Good luck........

Kit Building "Necessities"
 

Hi SigPiPup,best way to find what is needed is to get the kit and start,a flat surface is needed,wax paper or plans proctor is nice,glue,ruler and square,something to sand,cut,and saw with. Probably most of the tools needed you already have as time and kits accumulate so do the sophisticated tools[toys?].My first flying model was built with most of the tools from the kitchen,now I have two rooms filled with tools for building.

Quality not quantity
 

If you're thinking of NOT having to run to the hobby shop right in the middle of your project....think again! :D

That said, $ircra$halot, rajul and TerrellFlyer have covered just about all the essentials as far as equipment. Just don't go out and buy a bunch of cheap tools to fill up your bench, they will be serving you long after any planes you have made with them have returned to dust. Spend your money on the best tools you can find and you will not be disappointed, and your planes will go together easier and look better for it. Forget the fancy stuff, a straight building surface and sharp blades are half the battle.

Oh, and lay in a supply of sheet and stick balsa to make new parts for those that get damaged or don't look too good out of the box.

What are you thinking of for your first building project?

Kit Building "Necessities"
 

Didn't see it mentioned, but #1, DREMEL (or approximate) Never enter your shop without it! Be careful though, sanding drums on a dremel will go through most balsa quicker than you can blink if you aren't careful!

Kit Building "Necessities"
 

I still want to know what you're planning on building!

Kit Building "Necessities"
 

I'd recommend you buy the items as you need them....you'll be surprised at how many you really don't NEED, but if available, make building easier.

Jerry (AKA the 'toolcrazy one') :)

I plan to build.....
 

Hey guys. I was planning on building a Sig 4* 40 next. That will be the plane that i move up to after i have perfected flight with my trainer (which i have to wait several months to even fly). Depending on how long that takes to put together I was planning on Doing a Corsair after that, Prolly the Great Planes 40 although the Top Flite 60 Looks better. The corsair wouldn't be flown for a long time but I think it would be fun/challenging to put together. Originally I wanted the corsair as the second plane but decided that i prolly need some kind of training in kit building before i jump into a warbird.

Thanks for your replies. I'm compliling a supply list as we speak.

Kit Building "Necessities"
 

Cool, a 4*40 is a good build for the beginner. You shouldn't *need* much more than some glue, razor blades and sandpaper. As mentioned, get what you need as you need it.

Kit Building "Necessities"
 

See this article on Howard Sullivan's excellent website:

http://webpages.charter.net/rcfu/Beg...cWorkshop.html

Tells you what you need to get started and helps you prioritize your wish list of things you might want to add later.

Kit Building "Necessities"
 

Thanks for the guidance everybody. I'm sure that I'll have more questions once i start building.

Kit Building "Necessities"
 

Mario where are you going to fly?
I live in the area and can help you find the local clubs if you like. Also if you need more help I can meet you sometime at lunch or after work.
I live in Commerce Twp and work in Troy, Mi.

Good Luck
Bill (Pontiac Miniature Aircraft Club - White Lake, Mi)
http://www.geocities.com/pmacwp/Main.html

Kit Building "Necessities"
 

The only thing that I have not seen mentioned, and which I would count before some of them, is a set of needle wood rasps.

They are the same as the needle file sets you can get but wood rasps.

As useful as the Dremel :D (and I got one of those too) :D

Oh and the diamond hone is a darned good first rate idea - makes a blade last five times as long. But get a decent knife first.