I have a BalsaNova, kit built. I purchased it already built. It has hinges that run the full length of all the control surfaces. they appear to be the regular CA type hinges, just several inches long. Does anyone know how to do this. It would seem almost impossible to cut a slot straight for 12-14 inches. Also how do you get the hinge in the slot? thanks for any info.

Never seen a balsa nova kit but if they are CA hinge material I would cut them up to about 3/4 inch wide and save the rest for other aircraft. Most kits that supply CA hinges space them about 6-8" apart from each other.

Hey splais -

Many CA hinges come in long strips designed to be cut into individual hinges. Is that maybe your case?

--Mike--

As stated, what I got is hinges that are one continuos strip from fuselage side to wing tip. It appears to be made out of regular CA hinge material. It is very cool looking, strong, and obviously completely resolves the hinge gap issue. My only question is how do you do it other than pain stakingly trying to cut a very straight slot in the entire surface, by hand.

I agree that they are probabley ment to be cut into 3/4" hinges but if you must. Get the Dremmel tip that looks like a small circular saw and chuck it up in a drill press. Set the table to the hieght you want the cut to be (so it is centered along the trailing edge) and go for it.

If you want zero hinge gap, the way to get it is with monokote and edges beveled to the top rather than the middle of the two facing edges. You're asking for trouble if you try to run CA hinges in long lengths. The kerf of the smallest saw blade is still going to be too thick for CA hinge material.

Guys, guys! What he's saying is, he bought a FINISHED kit, and it has (already installed!) full legth hinges.

They look like they are typical CA hinge material, but run the full legth of the surface.

What he wants to know is how would you cut a long, straight hinge slot, in the surface and the wing.

BasinBum probable has the best idea. But it would be easiest with a drill press, and not everyone has one. You could find another way to mount the Dremel tool rigidly though.
Dennis-

Finally, thanks. Yes, it would seem that some kind of jig would be necessary. I want to do this on a kit I'm going to start.

splais,
I don't think that the full length hinges is worth the trouble personally. Depending on the size of the aircraft, CA hinges will get you control surfaces that are close enough so as to not need sealing. (I'm talking a 1/16th" or less.)

If using another type of hinge, adding covering material into the gap will seal it completely, take maybe 10 minutes, and be a whole heck of a lot easier than even building the jig to cut those long slots.

Just my $0.02
Dennis-

Splais, If the full length hinges are good you would see it a lot more often. How stiff are the control surfaces on the plane that already has them? Do they flex easily by hand?

Yes, actually they work great and look great. But Dennis is correct; I'm just not sure they are worth the effort, other than just doing it because you want to. But you do have to see them to appreciate them.

Interesting concept, but the closest thing I heard of before is someone using the fabric covering (solartex) or one of the tex's cut in strips approx 1 1/2 inch wide with two strips placed together with the adhesive sides facing each other and using sewing machine to put a seam down the middle leaving 3/4 " wide strip to be fasted to each side of the control surface and the trailing edge, leaving a sealed gap for what ever length desired, plan on trying sometime sounds very strong and effective.


Egor