How do y'all do it? I've always used a sanding block , but was curious if anyone had another method.

For the leading edge I make a template from the plans out of stiff cardboard like the back of a tablet. I use a Hobbico metal sanding block and shpe to this template. I do the same thing with wing tips if they are solid wood.

I start out with a sanding block, once it's close, I take a fresh piece of sandpaper and use it like a shoe-shine cloth.

I have an ancient X-acto plane that removes lots of material quickly, at least as compared to sandpaper. I can rough in the leading edge, then staart sanding.......

I use a razor blade to shave the corners, then a rough sanding block to sand to shape. After that I grab some fine sandpaper to smooth out the LE and make any final trim.

Someplace on here I learned of something neat. This person said he would use pvc pipe in the desired size and cut it in half then just put the sticky back sand paper in the middle of it and use that to sand the leading edge.

The best tool to shape a leading edge is a Master razor plane for about $5 or $6. With a light touch you will take micrometer shavings off with perfect control and then you are ready to do the sanding.

Dave Segal

I agree with the razor plane. I have a 30 year old X-acto razor plane that works great, and no dust. You just have all those balsa wood curls that stick to your pants and drop off all over the house. But, a razor plane makes quick work of rough shaping then go to a sanding block.

I use the Little David razor plane I bought back in the 60s. Still trying to wear it out.

I didnt know you could build an airplane without a razor plane.

I tried using a razor plane once and I kept gumming up the head.
Do you think a Norelko would work better than the Remington?

ED

Yea, those twin blades clog up quickly!

I did leave out the fact that I do the roughing with an exacto and/or a GP electric planer (a nice tool, but not as nice as the Slot Machine).

Has anyone tried the "Power Plane" from GP? I've looked at it in my LHS, and it seems it would be a great tool for roughing out the shapes on tips and leading edges, and then hit them with sandpaper for final shaping. I'de like to hear from someone who has one though before I go buy one.

That's what I have.. The GP Power Plane. It's a nice tool, but ya gotta be careful when you get close. It's much better for roughing than it is for any fine work

I have had an X-acto spokeshave-it's a miniature drawknife-that I have been using for about 40 years. I like it better than the razor plane because you pull it towards yourself rather than pushing away. I can control it better. I also draw pencil lines that represent the extreme leading edge or outside edge of the tip. And then be very careful to NEVER cut away any of the pencil line. On tips I finish the plan view first, then sand down to the airfoil, and finally use the spokeshave and sanding blocks to complete the "front view."

i sand and cut alot to get my leading edge to where i want it---not the best--but my planes fly, i think its because they are way overpowered, not sure.

Depending on the size of the plane, I use a couple of methods. Do the standard sanding block for standard size planes (40-90). On big birds, depending on the material of the leading edge, I use the GP power plane and/or a Black & Decker Mouse electric sander to get the rough shape. You have to be careful with both, but both really save time. Finish up with a sanding block.

I agree with Staggerwing - the Mouse works great. I have also had good luck using a "sureform". I believe that is the correct spelling. It is normally used to rough shape auto bondo. Will take quite a bit of balsa off in a hurry, but is very controllable.

ED

And I agree with Ed, SureForm is a great tool also. Get it at the auto parts store.