getting ready
 

Ok I am getting ready to start building my first kit (four star 60) in the next month or so. In the mean time I am getting my work area ready. I am going to be using magnets (will be using airfield models sysetm). When I start building the actual plane what tools and glues do I need? Also what types of blades and amounts do I need? a list would help. also my local hobby shop doesn't carry much so where is the best place to get them that is not going to clean me out too bad?

Thanks

lucius

RE: getting ready
 

lucius,

The instruction manual for the kit would be the best place to start for a list like that. You will need super glues, epoxy, hobby knives, maybe a hobby saw, some needle nose pliers, a few clamps.

Just jump in and start building it. You can order anything you need that the hobby shop does not have at several online hobby shops. Just do a web search for rc hobby supplies, you will find some.

RE: getting ready
 

Some wood clothespins make good clamps and you can reverse the wood part on some of them to get a flatter clamp. Make up a few sanding blocks. I use one that's about 3/4" x 3-1/2" x 5-1/2" that has 100 grit on one side and 180 on the other all the time. Keep a shop vac handy and use often. Rubber bands, waxed paper, masking tape. You can get "T" pins in the sewing section of Walmart pretty cheaply. Great kit choice, as mentioned above, Sig will walk you through everything you need and how to do each step. Don't freak out over minor mistakes, your first covering job won't be perfect, but this kit should become a nice flying airplane all the same. Each kit you build will teach you more and turn out a little better.

RE: getting ready
 

That magnetic building system is a nice way to start learning to build. I don't know why more people don't go that route. I have a couple of Exacto knives but don't use them much for building. I buy boxes of single edge razor blades from the hardware store (about $6 for 100 blades). I use a brand new blade for film covering until it feels a little dull (10 cuts or so). Then, that blade gets relegated to cutting balsa. Razor blades are thinner and give a better cut than an Exacto blade, IMHO. For glue I use thin CA, Epoxy, and Titebond 1 wood glue. I know some people use Titebond 2 or 3, but I don't see the point. Good luck on the build.

RE: getting ready
 

Beer and cigarettes

If you don't drink, Pepsi and cigarettes

If you don't smoke... I can't help you.

RE: getting ready
 

I second the box of razor blades.  I never use exacto knives.  One thing you will want is a miter saw/box.  Otherwise you will be making angle cuts by eye.  It will work, but you will be happier when the cuts fit perfectly.  Probably have to go online for one of those in hobby size. 
When considering epoxy for joining the stabilizer to the fuselage and the wing halves together, you will want at least 15 minute epoxy.  30 minute will give you that much longer working time.  DO NOT consider 5 minute epoxy.  Before you know it you will be stuck.  Welcome to kit building.  Start a thread and make lotsa pics. 

RE: getting ready
 

Hi Lucius,

Since you are familiar with www.airfieldmodels.com, just look around that website. Paul has a lot of information about tools and glues. My preference is also Titebond 1 woodglue. About epoxy, consider this. I have been working in my garage around 100°F. The 30 min epoxy really only gives me 10 to 15 to work with at that temperature. The hoter it is, the faster it will react. I also use CA for certain applications. I purchase Xacto and razors by the 100's. It is cheaper that way. Some tools are nice to have but you might not need them in your first build.

Welcome and have fun.

RE: getting ready
 

Thanks everyone for your help. I will start a thread when I start building.

lucius

RE: getting ready
 

Most of the glues, blades, sanding supplies, etc. can be found at Hobby Lobby (the arts & crafts store) if there is one in your area.

Popular RC store web sites
www.towerhobbies.com
www.horizonhobby.com
www.hobbypeople.net
www.advantagehobby.com