Covering CA hinge slots
 

I have started the covering of my lt-40. Once you cover your elv,rudder,and tail feathers, how do you once again find the slots to cut for your CA hinges? I just don't want to destroy the covering job.

thank you for all your help

RE: Covering CA hinge slots
 

Depending on the color , you may still be able to see them or feel them.

RE: Covering CA hinge slots
 

You asked in the LT-40 build thread also. See my reply there.

RE: Covering CA hinge slots
 

farminred,

The way I did this was cut the hinge-slots in both components (e.g. trailing-edge and ailerons) when still uncovered, then cover one side (e.g. ailerons) and use the other (e.g. trailinb edge) as the measure-stick to find the slots again, which you then cut through the covering . Then you repeat the process the other way around....

Worked like a charm :)

Good Luck!

RE: Covering CA hinge slots
 

Run your fingernail down the middle of the surface (or bevel) and the nail should fall into the slots. This is how I do it.

RE: Covering CA hinge slots
 

The way I did it was to cut the covering away from the slots before using the covering iron to tack the covering down. This left a small exposed section of balsa around the slot, but I don't expect it to be a problem since the CA you use to glue the hinges in will wick into the balsa and fuel proof the exposed wood. I'm considering adding a covering strip to the hinge gap anyway to improve the aerodynamic performance (The gap is already pretty small, approximately 1 pin diameter). It was easier to trim the covering before tacking it down, and the hinge slots are so thin I didn't expect to be able to accurately locate them through the covering. I also didn't want to cut the surrounding wood fibers.

Brad