Hinges
12-09-2007 | 12:00 PM
#1
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From: ainsworth,
NE
Hinges
As some of you know I am building my first kit, a SIG Kadet Sr. You all have been very helpful so far.
My next question may be a little subjective, but hear goes.
The kit is supplied with CA hinges and the plans show a Dubro or Goldberg type.
What is the best type of hinge for this application?
I am familiar with the CA hinges from the ARF’s I have assembled. But I have never used the other type nor have I ever had to cut my own slots for the CA hinges.
How handy is the GP slot machine and can it be used to install other than CA type hinges?
My next question may be a little subjective, but hear goes.
The kit is supplied with CA hinges and the plans show a Dubro or Goldberg type.
What is the best type of hinge for this application?
I am familiar with the CA hinges from the ARF’s I have assembled. But I have never used the other type nor have I ever had to cut my own slots for the CA hinges.
How handy is the GP slot machine and can it be used to install other than CA type hinges?
12-09-2007 | 12:48 PM
#2
My Feedback: (-1)
RE: Hinges
The slot machine is A very handy tool and I use mine very often. I also bought a slot cutting guide to use with it. {sold at most hobby stores} I can't remember if it came with the two sizes of blades or not, I think so but I have bought more blades for it over the years so not sure. The thin blade is for CA hinges and the thicker one is for the plastic types.
The only bad thing I can say about it is it does not like to cut any type of hard wood, even hard balsa or go through the CA glue when I add balsa sticks behind the hinge points. The CA may harden the wood too much??
I think I have used mine on every plane I have built except one and that plane I used all hinge points.
A very handy little tool!!
The only bad thing I can say about it is it does not like to cut any type of hard wood, even hard balsa or go through the CA glue when I add balsa sticks behind the hinge points. The CA may harden the wood too much??
I think I have used mine on every plane I have built except one and that plane I used all hinge points.
A very handy little tool!!
12-09-2007 | 01:26 PM
#3
Senior Member
RE: Hinges
Nothing wrong with CA hinges. I've used them for over 20 years.
CA Hinge Installation
There are several rules to follow for an easy, correct CA hinge installation. These rules are good for hinges from different manufacturers, including Great Planes and Radio South. I’ve used them on many planes from pylon racers to Unlimited class Fun Fly planes to even a giant scale Stinger (the 1/4 scale size hinges). I have never seen an in-flight failure using this procedure.
I have seen only two in-flight hinge failures. One failure was from catastrophic flutter, which also destroyed the wing panel. The other was due to doubled hinges and the use of thick CA.
Here we go:
Use a #11 blade to cut the slots.
Cut only once per side/per hinge.
Use only thin CA.
Do not double the hinges.
Do not use “kicker”.
Install after covering.
1. Slot the wood pieces, install the hinges, and mount the control surface. Gently push the pieces together.
2. Flex the control surface both ways for the maximum amount of travel you expect to use. This will automatically create the proper hinge line gap.
3. Slowly drop 2-3 drops of CA on each hinge at the hinge line on one side only. If any CA puddles in the hinge line, blot it with a paper towel.
4. When that is dry, apply 2-3 drops of CA to the other side of each hinge.
5. When both sides are dry, flex the control surface both ways.
That’s it! The wood will pull out before the hinge will let go. The surface will tend to stay centered and will not flop around. Both will help prevent flutter.
Dr.1
CA Hinge Installation
There are several rules to follow for an easy, correct CA hinge installation. These rules are good for hinges from different manufacturers, including Great Planes and Radio South. I’ve used them on many planes from pylon racers to Unlimited class Fun Fly planes to even a giant scale Stinger (the 1/4 scale size hinges). I have never seen an in-flight failure using this procedure.
I have seen only two in-flight hinge failures. One failure was from catastrophic flutter, which also destroyed the wing panel. The other was due to doubled hinges and the use of thick CA.
Here we go:
Use a #11 blade to cut the slots.
Cut only once per side/per hinge.
Use only thin CA.
Do not double the hinges.
Do not use “kicker”.
Install after covering.
1. Slot the wood pieces, install the hinges, and mount the control surface. Gently push the pieces together.
2. Flex the control surface both ways for the maximum amount of travel you expect to use. This will automatically create the proper hinge line gap.
3. Slowly drop 2-3 drops of CA on each hinge at the hinge line on one side only. If any CA puddles in the hinge line, blot it with a paper towel.
4. When that is dry, apply 2-3 drops of CA to the other side of each hinge.
5. When both sides are dry, flex the control surface both ways.
That’s it! The wood will pull out before the hinge will let go. The surface will tend to stay centered and will not flop around. Both will help prevent flutter.
Dr.1
