Even though I've been in R/C since 1976 and built my share of kits early on, I've never used Robart hinge points. I'm currently building my first kit in almost 15 years, a 68" Goldberg Extra 300, and the kit came with CA type hinges. I'm debating whether to use them on this airplane, or whether I should go with standard pinned hinges, or try Robart hinge points for the first time!

So, the question is, how many of you use hinge points? How do they compare with pinned hinges and CA hinges? Are they any easier to install? But above all, are they reliable?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Edit: I guess I should mention, the intended use of this airplane is precision aerobatics and general sport flying... no 3D! It is being powered with an OS 91FX.

Is this the ARF or kit? You mention it came with CA hinges so I'm guessing ARF. I have built the kit with Robart hinges and it's easy. You can buy the hinges and get a free drill guide. This is a plus as the drill guide will center the hinge.

Robart hinges are easy to install and I have never had a failure. Do a search and there are all kinds of tips for installing. Main thing is to avoid glue on the hinge part. I use Gorrila glue, but you can use epoxy also.

Hinge spacing on this plane I would use 4 to maybe 5 for the ailerons (did I spell this correctly??) and 3 to 4 for the elevator. Maybe 4 or 5 for the rudder.

Robarts are really easy compared to pinned and CA hinges. Haven't used anything since.

Many kits come with ca hinges now, but my vote is for the hinge points. They may take some extra care during the install vs a ca type, but in my opinion you end up with a truly hinged surface. CA hinges seem too springy and stiff feeling. Why make the servos work anymore than they have to? I suppose pinned hinges would do pretty much the same thing, but I've never used them - although I have a drawer in my organizer full of them, can't figure that one out.

Dan

It's the kit. It came with "Jet" brand CA hinges, but I don't really trust CA hinges on an airplane this large, that's why I wondered about the other two options. Sounds to me like I need to go ahead and try the Robart Hinge Points!

Thanks!

My appologies, I have an Extra in the box and you are right, it's the kit! I guess I haven't looked for supplied hinges becuse I don't use them.

Try the Robarts, you can practice on spare balsa. The drill guide makes it easy. Before I glue them in, I layout the hinges and put a small drop of 3 in 1 Oil on the hinge part. This will keep the glue from adhering to the hinge if I get sloppy.

To make sure the hinges are aligned, right after install I rotate then up and ensure they are 90 degrees to the TE surface. You can also install (not glue) the control surface and flex up and down to again check for alignment and any binding before the glue sets.

BTW, I love the CG Extra, what a great flying plane, enjoy,

Robarts all the way, I like to build scale surfaces, which means you'll have to recess the hinge into the control surface and round the leading edge, but worth it in my mind. Seems to look and perform better too.

Bronicabill,

Give the hinge points a try. It will take a little extra work (no pun intended) to get the hinges inset so you don't have a large gap between your control surfaces, but they are well worth it. Besides, once you do a couple, you'll be asking yourself why haven't I tried hinge points before?

Good luck with your extra! Keep us posted with your progress.

I have used CA hinges on larger planes than that, but if you're uncomfortable with them, go with Robarts, they are excellent!

One thing no one has mentioned is:

If you go with Robarts, make sure you buy the dandy little drilling guide. It's only a few bucks and it's a VERY slick tool.

I picked up 3 packs of hinges today, but they didn't have the drill guide in stock. Hopefully it'll be there before I actually start installing these. If not, I doubt it'll be a big deal as I tend to be VERY meticulous when building, and I seem to have "calibrated" eyeballs. I "eyeball" stuff when I cut or shape it, then when I go back and measure it's usually dead-on, or so darned close it doesn't matter anyway.

I'll post a follow-up when I actually get to start installing them...

I think you will like the Robart hinges. Watch this video for installation guidance.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=269

Awesome. Thanks!!!

Let us all know what you think of the Robart hinge points after you use them.
I have used them once, and I would never use them again.
They are more of a pain in the butt to install, than either of the other two types of hinges mentioned. When your hinging job is complete, you are left with the UGLY square holes in your control surfaces so the knuckle part of the hinge can be buried. I can't see where some people thinks this looks more scale like. UGH!
I am sure the Robart hinge points are just as good as any other hinge with a metal pin, but just not to my liking. When I need a good heavy duty hinge, I'll go with the DuBro type of flat pinned hinges. Since the invention of the hinge slotter, I pretty much stick to either pinned flat nylon hinges, or CA type of hinges. My favorite CA hinge is the SonicTronics brand Nifty hinge.

Just my 2ΒΆ
Greg