skaha

I am attempting my first fuselage layup, I want to include the tail vertical fin in my mold, my question is when I am joining the two completed halves together how do I deal with the two fin halves, I understand using tape for the fuselage itself but don't have any idea how to join the fin halves.
Thank you for any help you can offer.

Deadstik

My Feedback: (8)

skaha,

There are many different threads here on RCU concerning putting the fuselage halves together. Some use tape, others (myself) make an overlapping flange and join in the mold. Either way has its' plus and minus values. The fin is a bit different. I make up a mixture of Cabosil and Epoxy, to a thickness of cold honey. I then apply this to both sides of the fin for about 1/2" away from the mold halves prior to putting them together. What happens when you put the halves together is that you clamp the fuselage halves upside down. This makes the fin the lowest portion of your layup. If you are doing this at a temperature above 75° Fahrenheit the Cabosil mixture will join together in the fin and make a rock hard joint between the fin halves. You can also do this to the lower portion of the fuselage after 8 hours or so turning the fuselage right side up and letting the mixture flow into the rear fuselage joint. Most of the time, I find that the bottom work is not needed as the rear post for the rudder is going to be added there in the future. Hope this helps, good luck on your project.


Dan Hines

Carolina Custom Aircraft

skaha

Thanks for the reply, I will try your suggestions.