First Kit Build (4*40) Prep
 

Just got my tax refund and have clearance from the accountant (wife) to purchase materials for my first kit. Just wanted to double check with some more experienced builders on my list of purchases:

4*40 kit
Futaba flight pack w/ servos
1-1/4" T pins
Foam
Spinner
fuel tubing
8 oz fuel tank
30 min epoxy
Main wheels and tail wheel
22" bar sander
Dubro tail wheel bracket
Crystal for the receiver

Stuff I have already:

Thin and Thick CA glue
A couple clamps (I know I need more, can you recommend some cheap ones?)
rubber bands
Sandpaper (various grits)
Hobby knives
Masking tape

Stuff for the future:
Ultracote
Engine

I was going to get the 48" Great Planes building board but I think I'm going to try the ceiling tiles to save some $$. I'm pretty nervous about starting my first kit so any help or encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
John

RE: First Kit Build (4*40) Prep
 

I strongly recommend taking the plans down to Staples, Kinko's, etc. and having a copy made. Use the copy for pinning down, cutting up, and building on, and keep the original clean for future reference.

I also recommend using wood glue (Titebond, etc.) for the bulk of the build. It gives you more time to position things vs. CA, and the fumes won't irritate your lungs.

Your list looks pretty good. You picked a great first kit.

Good luck

edit: These are my favortie clamps:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...1594000P?mv=rr

RE: First Kit Build (4*40) Prep
 

Your list looks good. I would also add a razor saw, some metal straight-edges, a smaller sanding bar or block for small jobs, and a small square or triangle. It will also be helpful to have your engine before you get too far into the build. You'll need it for laying out the firewall, mount location, throttle pushrod, etc.

For clamps, try Harbor Freight tools. The have all sorts of them. Not quite "pro quality" but good enough for model building and so cheap you can buy a variety.

Truth is, you'll always find "one more tool" that would be helpful in building so a list could get very long. With the basics and a little ingenuity you can do quite a bit though.

RE: First Kit Build (4*40) Prep
 

Yup, Harbor freight has some awesome little clamps for a buck or two.

I'll second the Tightbond recommendation also. It's great stuff.

Jack

RE: First Kit Build (4*40) Prep
 

I do this on ALL of the plans I use to build with. However, if you do it make sure you check the copy before you walk out to ensure that it is correctly duplicated. A lot of times they will be just a bit off in size, which can lead to HUGE problems when you start trying to build over them. They can make adjustments to the copier to get the duplication to the correct size to match the original. If you can find a place that can duplicate blueprints, or architectural, drawings you will be better off as they are usually pay more attention to getting the size correct.

I third the recommendation for using wood glue instead of CA.

Take a look at my LT-40 build thread to get some good techniques for using wood glue in building.
[link]http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3439708/tm.htm[/link]

RE: First Kit Build (4*40) Prep
 

Since this is also in the Kit Building forum, I'm closing this one.