Hinging thin control surfaces
 

I posted the question in the 1/2a forum with no results yet, but I'm in a building frenzy and would like to move on. I'm building a mini-kaos drawn up by ptulmer called a ka-otic. My horizontal stab and vertical fin are 1/8" balsa. Would a monocoat only hinge work? CA hinges are too thick and would make unsightly bulges. Thanks.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...r/100_1146.jpg

RE: Hinging thin control surfaces
 

I would think 'cote hinges would work fine if done properly. I recall some people saying they had used them on .40 sized ships without problems.

I also am looking at a similar problem with a NES acrophat I want to put an Os la .10 on. The hinges are taped right now... and I don't mind flying with them taped, but maybe there is a better solution? I don't want to use 'cote hinges because of the effort involved (too lazy to match the covering and then make the hinges).

RE: Hinging thin control surfaces
 

due to overwhelming response by Sneasle, it will have monocote hinges.:D

RE: Hinging thin control surfaces
 

Here is an alternative. http://www.iroquois.free-online.co.uk/knot.htm

Scroll down to hinges and look at the close sewn hinges. I use dental floss. Cut a notch in the alerons , rudder, and elevator for the floss to go through and give you a tight fit. I've never had one fail.

RE: Hinging thin control surfaces
 

You could also go with sewn thread hinges - well proven for 3/4 of a century.........

Hogflyer

RE: Hinging thin control surfaces
 

Sellotape works fine. I use Diamond tape and seal the edges with epoxy. Might be a problem in a high UV environment but no probs in the UK.

RE: Hinging thin control surfaces
 

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sellotape is a European brand of transparent, cellulose-based, pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, and is the leading brand of clear sticky tape in the United Kingdom. Sellotape is generally used for joining, sealing, attaching and mending. It is also referred to as cellophane tape.

RE: Hinging thin control surfaces
 

I've used CA hinges in the past on my Herr 1/2A Mustang. I think I cut Sig easy hinges into 3 smaller pieces. You just have to be extremely careful cutting the slot.

RE: Hinging thin control surfaces
 

You can use transparent package sealing tape for hinges on a model that size.

RE: Hinging thin control surfaces
 

Thanks for the replies guys. I went with monocote hinges for now. If nothing else. a monocote hinge should be easy to change if I don't like it. I' have used the fiberglass reinforced packing tape before on foamies. I suppose it would work just fine on this one. I bookmarked that site above.

RE: Hinging thin control surfaces
 

> I' have used the fiberglass reinforced packing tape before on foamies. <

Do not use that tape for hinges- it is for structural reinforcement. Use package sealing tape or DuBro hinge tape (Blenderm). And hinges made from covering material are excellent.