Cover shrinking
 

I have this little problem. I have some time to fly my plane and it stay on the shelf too long i can say. I notice that the cover (ultracote or monocote, i don't know) is getting "shrinked" (it doesn't get sticked)</p>

RE: Cover shrinking
 

That is normal for some coverings. You can take a heat gun and start with low heat and re-shrink the covering that has stretched. On good covering like Ultracote, it doesn't tend to sag with time, most of the cheaper coverings will with time and also temperature.
C

RE: Cover shrinking
 

I was thinking of getting an iron and fix it. Is that going to work too? I don't know what is the covering because the calmato came ARF.

RE: Cover shrinking
 

get a iron AND heat gun. the heat gun makes your life soooooooo much easier

RE: Cover shrinking
 

Is the hair dryer going to be as helpful as the heat gun?

RE: Cover shrinking
 

No, it doesn't put out enough heat to shrink the covering material

Ken

RE: Cover shrinking
 

I just bought a heat gun, and a covering iron yesterday. They cost me about $30.00 for both from the local hobby shop. They are about the same price from Tower too,but they want $10 for shipping.

RE: Cover shrinking
 

Get a HOBBY heat gun meant for shrinking covering. Hair dryers are too cool and the guns you can get at the hardware store for stripping paint and such are much too hot and will destroy the covering.

And remember guys, this guy is in Cyprus. Probably can't run to the LHS as easy as we can.

RE: Cover shrinking
 

if it's wrinkled get a heat gun...but if the covering is coming loose at the edges you need an iron to seal the edges....and if you're using windex or a cleaner with ammonia....stop....ammonia will loosen the glue on Monokote

RE: Cover shrinking
 

Well...  I use a regular hairdryer and it melted the covering.. hehe:)

RE: Cover shrinking
 

Hmmm, ok guys, seems i must find a hobby heat gun and an iron to do my job. Thanks for the info ;)

RE: Cover shrinking
 

You can use a regular clothing iron if you're in a pinch. It's just going to be too big to be handy.

RE: Cover shrinking
 

Hey guys, just bought a hobby iron. I want to ask if is nescessary to have that cloth on the iron. I don't have it in full power because i'm afraid a bit, it's too hot to make it even hotter . It's a ProLux iron, does anyone has it? If yes, where do i must put the thermostat?

RE: Cover shrinking
 

The temp depends on the covering you have and since nobody (including you) knows what that is you will need to experiment. Start with a warm but not too hot setting in a not too visable area and work carefully on a seam area. See how it does. If it tacks the seam down it is OK, if not then raise the temp a little and try again. If you see any damage (melting) reduce the temp. Some temporary slight discoloration is normal in some brands and will usually go back when it cools. When you find the right temp for a given plane you could write it down somewhere. But remember that the temp that works on one plane may not be correct on the next. This is a learning experience and will take a bit of time. Don't linger in one spot with the iron too long. http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...?article_id=67

RE: Cover shrinking
 

What about the cloth that i can put on the iron's plate?

RE: Cover shrinking
 

Use it. It will prevent scratches to the film.

RE: Cover shrinking
 

You can use an old cotton sock. Works great and cheap too :D