Looking for some tips on how to cut ailerons out of trailing edge stock. Kit calls for this to be done after the trailing edge is attached to the wing. Razor saw; razor blade...?

Any advice appreciated.

Mickey

Lay out your cut line per plans, then use razor saw. To get a straight edge you can sometimes tape a steel rule along the cut line with masking tape, then use it as a guide to run your razor saw against. I suppose you could use a razor blade as well, but i have better control of a saw.

Use a fine toothed saw, when cutting across the grain, when cutting parallel to it, you can use a No. 11 blade (Xacto).

What I like to do is use both razor blades and a razor saw. Because the razor saw has a lip on the back edge it's tough to use it by itself, but since you usually have to remove about 3/8" of material (then add 1/8 to the trailing edge of the wing and 1/4" to the leading edge of the aileron) I usually cut the 3/8 from the top and bottom sheeting with a razor blade and remove the sheeting on both top and bottom, then cut through the ribs with a saw. Then just sand everything even.

Thanks for the replies all. It's always a pleasure to get some ideas from folks who have done it before.

Mickey

Bandsaw works really nice if you have access to it Just draw your line and cut away. I've used one on two models-really slick.

Sure like the bandsaw idea. Still a little ways down on my wish list. Thanks for the tip. I'm sure there will be others out there who can use it too.

Mickey

If you use a bandsaw, make the root cut first, turn the saw off, and back the wing out. Then make the cut along the lenght. Much easier to back to saw out of the short cut thna the long cut. Use the widest blade your bandsaw can hold for the straightest cut.

ML

You are better off building the ailerons separate. I just completed the Low Andrews Aeromaster Too (53/53 version)and the GP Aeromaster 60 (53/53 version) this winter. I built the ailerons separate. The SIG Smith Mini-plane requires the ailerons to be cut out ala Aeromaster also. I built one about 10 yrs ago and was very dis-satisfied with the result. I think building separate is easier and you don't have to worry about a bad cut cracking the wood or breaking something.