First Time Covering
 

Ok so I am a few minutes away from being done with my first kit. :D I have watched a video from Monokote, and was looking for input on where to start and how to start covering? This will be my first time covering. Thanks for any input.



john

RE: First Time Covering
 

You have not watched all the videos yet

Look at these from Minnflyer

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4385133/tm.htm

RE: First Time Covering
 

Thanks w8ye. This is definately a great site for new modlers, lots of help from experienced people, thanks again. And thanks to Minnflyer for the great videos.:D



john

RE: First Time Covering
 

Glad I could help :D

RE: First Time Covering
 

Covering is easy if you take your time.

Apply covering from the bottom of the tail section and finish with the top front of the fuselage.

Work from the outside in on the wings, bottom first, then top.

Cut the big pieces of covering you'll need from the roll first. You can then use the scraps to cut out the smaller pieces. This helps eliminate waste.

Cover all inside corners with small strips (1/4" on either side of the corner) before you cover the rest. This will help ensure the corners are sealed.

Use the heat gun more than the covering iron to shrink the covering. Use the iron to seal the edges only.

Get the covering tight when you seal the edges, but don't pull so hard you make life hard.

Stretch covering over complex curves. Don't try to shrink it over. Covering stretches as well as shrinks when its hot.

Keep lots of new razor blades handy. I've found that scraping the edges of the razor blades with another blade helps extend their life. Turns out blades don't get dull from cutting covering, rather the adhesive appears to build up on the cutting edge.

Take your time, plan your work, and realize your first covering job is a learning experience. Have fun

Brad

RE: First Time Covering
 

While it may seem a bit silly, the instructions included in the monokote are actually quite a bit of help. That's what I used to learn to cover!!!

Also, I do a detailed explanation of covering in my LT-40 build thread. You might look it over to help. While I don't have videos like Minnflyer does, there is plenty of pictures to help you out.

[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3439708/tm.htm]Pay It Forward build thread!! LT-40 build.[/link]

Hope this helps

Ken

RE: First Time Covering
 

I am by no means a covering pro. But one thing I want to emphasize.... new sharp blades. Minn sings the praises of them in his video. I just want to echo it.

RE: First Time Covering
 

Thank you everyone for the great info. Hopefully I will figure out why my computer wont upload pics, get it resolved then post some pics.



john

RE: First Time Covering
 

Yup. In fact, I'm covering a plane now. All that's done is the tail (Most of it anyway) and the wing fillets, and I've already gone through 3 blades.

RE: First Time Covering
 

Minn ... what plane is that? I like the look of the wing fillets.

-MA

RE: First Time Covering
 

That's the Ultra Sport 60 that Mike is working on.

Ken

RE: First Time Covering
 

It's the Ultra Sport 60

I've got a whole build thread on it here:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_6822225/tm.htm

RE: First Time Covering
 

Shame on me for not knowing that! [sm=red_smile.gif] I had a feeling that was from your US60 thread. Thanks guys.

-MA

RE: First Time Covering
 

I strongly suggest Ultra-cote for first timers.;)

RE: First Time Covering
 

Is Ultra-cote easier than monokote? I have already got the bottom of the wing covered and there are some pretty tuff spots on the tips :)



john

RE: First Time Covering
 

Probably a bit of a subjective question. UC has a lower shrink temp and in my opinion is a bit more forgiving. Check out this post in my Hog Bipe build thread for an example of wing tips and Ultracoat [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8342343]here.[/link]

Monokote is a good product and you're entering the classic Ford vs. Chevy debate. If you've already started, there's no reason not to continue with MK. Take your time, follow the tips shared on the TF video and other threads here on RCU. If you've not done the tips yet, I suggest watching MinnFlyers video on covering Tips and using those techniques outlined there. If I remember correctly, he used Ultracoat.

Best of luck!

-MA

RE: First Time Covering
 

Well I got the wings covered only burnt 3 holes with the heat gun:D. Had a real hard time with the tips dont know if i wasnt pulling hard enough or what but they are pretty butchered lol. Oh well its a good learning experience for the next time ;)




john

RE: First Time Covering
 

Only 3 holes?:D

Yeah, that heat gun gets hot doesn't it? Key to that is to keep it moving. Sounds like you're like me - jump in and learn. If you're willing to make some mistakes, I've found that approach a rewarding one. Yeah, you'll make some mistakes, but who doesn't?

-MA

RE: First Time Covering
 

Yep the best way for me to learn is to just do it. I can live with the covering on this since its my trainer and Im building another trainer, except I am going to make it a taildragger, as soon as im done with this one.



john

RE: First Time Covering
 

Show us some pics of your progress if you can, I'd like to see your color scheme.[8D]

RE: First Time Covering
 

I can try last time i tried to upload pics though it wouldnt go [:o]

RE: First Time Covering
 

The pic of the wing tip is hard to see but there are wrinkles in it. I plan on doing orange and red stripes and some orange stars.



john

RE: First Time Covering
 

You may be doing pretty good for your first time?

Other people looking at your plane will be looking at the whole picture.

Your experience will teach you where you are going to have problems and practice will make perfect

RE: First Time Covering
 

Looks great for a first try.

What I would do now is to cut off the piece covering the wing tip and just add a new piece just covering the end.

RE: First Time Covering
 

And yes, Ultracote is much easier to use. If that were Ultracote, you'd be able to iron those wrinkles out