I am covering my Duelist wing white on the bottom and orange on top. I cover the bottom first then the top creating an overlap. I leave extra covering to pull out wrinkles then trim it when I am finished. I want to get a nice straight line at the leading edge. I don't want to cut into the leading edge because that defeats the purpose of overlapping the top and bottom. Anyone have a trick to get a straight line where the 2 colors meet?
Thanks,
Jim

I tape a metal yardstick to the film, and overlap 1/2-3/4". I don't put the overlap centered on the leading edge, as it's too easy for the film to pull up in flight. Just me. <div>I suppose one could have the trim centered, if so I would cover the seam when done with clear nail polish. Again, just me, belt &amp; suspenders. </div>

I use a method similar to eddieC with the overlapping straight cut film's edge somewhat under the leading edge.

I think the trick here is to run your iron down the LE of the wing right along where you would like to trim the line. Then use a brand new razor blade, and trim the covering. It takes a steady hand, and practice, but you can get a very clean cut this way. If it is not to your liking, you could always make a strip (3/8") of the dark colored covering and apply it after the cut, to straighten and clean up this line.

Maybe this is what you really wanted to see though? A tool! Never used one, just know about it. The razor blade is all I have ever used. http://www.harryhigley.com/58JFT.htm


Good luck

I got one of these they work pretty good just make sure you cut the starting point at an angle to get started.

Me too. I start my covering with a straight edge with the overlap over the LE so there is no reason to trim, then work towards the TE. When I do need to trim I do as eddie but use a strip of balsa to cut across.

Thanks everyone, for the replies. I like the Idea of using the straightedge taped to the covering. I've used scissors in the past and the results were not pretty.
Jim

That Higley tool is great! Use it all the time to trim edges along the contour of the surface being covered. Money well spent if you do any covering work.