I'm looking at a couple kits for a future build and one of them does not come with the parts pre-cut for building except for the wing ribs. The plans come with instructions on what wood pieces and hardware to buy. What I was wondering is there some sort of special tools needed to accurately cut the wood into the pieces you need?

Special Tools?

A Band Saw, a set of fine files, 120 grit sand paper and lots of patience.

If you can't afford a band saw a fine toothed hand saw from your local HS and lots of time, this is the relaxing part of the hobby where you get to develop your fine motor skills.

ENJOY!

don't forget-- the EXACTO blade knife is the most important tool you will use. takes practice and you do that on scrap mat'l. draw lines and curves- practice/practice-- then sand to final finish. there is No quick way. remember to keep fingers away from the Sharp edge. dick

Thanks for the info. A band saw (which I have already) and exacto's is what I figured. But since all the kits (mostly) that come w/ the parts already there are laser cut, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't in for something extra special

Hi Justin,

I have found a small scroll saw better than the band saw for cutting complex curves in ply and balsa. When cutting ribs cut them in pairs ( a drop of ca to hold together), always cut a little larger than you want and finish to size by first sanding on a sanding belt then by hand.
Just my 2 cents worth.

Good Luck with the kit,

Colin

I'll second the scroll saw. Much easier to cut a small radius and a must to cut openings in another piece. I use my scroll saw probably twice as much as my bandsaw, but I would'nt do without either one.

Scott

Yes, a scroll saw is much better for tight turns and corners BUT by the same token that makes it a poor choice for long strait cuts - like the top of a rib.

The Band Saw turns slower and is better for the 'Larger' cuts.

Ideally you should have both Band and Scroll saws so that you can make all of the cuts.

As to cutting ribs - I like to stack up 6-8 pieces of 1/16", pin them together and cut out the pattern and sand the lot - it ensures uniformity. That being said if your saw blade is loose, it can wow out if the stack of wood is too thick - practice, practice, practice.

Looks like I'll be investing in a scroll saw. Fortunately the kit I'm looking at already provides the wing ribs pre-cut, so that is a plus. You just need to cut the rest.

For cutting stick to lenght there is nothing better then the ChopperII. There is also the balsa stripper and the miter right and the True sander. Don't get me wrong, I have built many planes with an exacto knife and a sanding blck made out of a piece of wood. You do not NEED these, but they do make it a little easer to do. You will find that if/when you get into scratch buiding, they make it so much better.


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Dru.