Building Lazy Ace
 

I have decided to build this kit which has been waiting for about 30 years. It's the first kit I have tackled in about that long.

I need a good flat building surface to build wings where I can tape the plans on and pin the wing parts. I used to build off a 1 " balsa sheet but it now has a bow.

So can someone advise me what is used these days? Something preferably available from Home Depot or Lowe's.

Thanks in advance.

A "Door skin" a basic cheap door such as a closet door. It should be level and true. Place a sheet of cheap wall covering or similar on top giving a good base to pin to. Have used such for years.

Thanks Gizmo, I have. A desk with a apiece of marble on top which is my base. What is the wall covering you mention?

Comp. fiberboard, the name escapes me but the box stores should have something that will do. It's been a long time........

The hollow door and ceiling tile on top is what I use. Just make sure the door is flat free of warps. I build at least 4 Lazy Aces. The first was powered by a K&B 60, last plane was powered with a G-26 . What like most about the Ace was you could modify it a little to look like other aircraft. Here is the last one I built. These are old pictures that I scanned. Will you be doing a construction thread of your build? You should we would like to follow your construction.
Rich

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2204182

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2204183

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2204184

Way back when Hot Stuff was first gaining acceptance in the building community Satellite City made a building video of the Lazy Ace showcasing the ease of building using their CA. No pins required and any flat surface could be used.
Here is a link: http://www.caglue.com/The-Original-S...r-T_ep_63.html

I remember seeing this film, I was in Germany.

Rich

Hello JW, thanks for the suggestion of ceiling tile. I'll give that a try. Have never done a build thread but might give it a go. I like your Lazy Ace in yellow

Don't use ceiling tiles, use 1/2" or 5/8" sheet rock, they are 4' X 8', find a damaged corner and get it cheep.

Homosote works best holds the pins well yet easy to remove. Any glue drops pick them off and the homosote comes off below the surface so your building area remains true. You can even touch things up with a sanding bar as the homosote is the same the whole thickness. I use solid core doors for the base over 25 years same one no warps. These were skid doors which were the doors at the top of the skid and were marked from the steel shipping bands. 15 bucks each. In fact all my benches are topped with these. Vices and sanders etc bolt right through giving a tough solid work surface.

PS as far as the Lazy Ace goes you can build it in a multitude of configurations and power systems and it all seems to work wonderfully. A timeless design.


Dennis

Lazy Ace
 

More of the Lazy Ace

Very nice looking Aces:D. I am sure they all fly good.


Rich

I studied the plans yesterday. Had some 2nd thoughts was I really up to this task. I viewed the Satellite City building tip. It was useful and encouraged me some. I will think on a few days before starting .

I've always loved the Lazy Ace and remember reading about it as a kid in the mid or late 70's in my first RCM magazine I bought at my LHS.

Propworn, your Lazy Ace looks great with the center float!

I prefer drywall to pin to myself as long it is flat and straight that is the main concern. Drywall allows me to cut to size when I want a smaller board and can be purchased in upto a 10 foot length. You do need to seal the cut edges I generally use a clear plastic packing tape.

Thanks for the kind words I really like the Lazy Ace. You could use it as a trainer. If your building one the ribs are all the same so make one out of thin aluminium then use it as a template to cut out the ribs with a one sided razor blade. Easily cut all the ribs in a couple of hours.

Went through the kit today. All wood seems to be in pretty good shape. Found postage stamp on the box from Skymaster Industries dated 1989. Been in the attic since. All rubber bands disintegrated which were around the sticks. Only found 3 of 4 1/8" piano wire cabane struts so will have to make another.

With just a cabane wire missing I would say you are in good shape. Its going to be a great looking airplane!

The plans show an interplane strut attachment 90 degree mounting bracket ( Goldberg product NMB-1) which I don't believe is currently available. Anyone know of a substitute?
thanks,

The Lazy Ace 80 inch and smaller versions the wing both top and bottom will work without the interplane struts. The struts are not necessary structurally. That being said the plane looks funny without them. Make your own out of nylon or even aluminum. Be creative.

Dubro has cowl mounts that look similar you might be able to modify them. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXWDH1

Dennis

Thanks Dennis, I looked at the Dubro item but will keep looking. Maybe could use a small eye screw or make something from aluminum angle. Was really thinking there might be a commercial item available for builders.