CA Hinge tools
 

A quick question.

Fo a newbie builder, do the hinging tools sold by Dubro and others end up saving any time, or ensuring a good installation or are they just another method of releiving me of hard-searned cash. I have to order up a few things to get started on my first build and I was thinking of adding one of these to the list.

Dubro Hingeing tool

I also (think) I need a couble bar sanders (5.5" and 11") should I get two of each size for coarse/fine paper?

How about cutting balsa sticks for framig up tail-feathers and stuff, can I just use my #11 blade, or am I better off with a razor saw?

I already have medium CA and 5 minute epoxy so I will order some thin CA and 3 minute epoxy.

I am going to get a buildng board tomorrow, one of the guys at the local building supply store is a RC nut, he should be able to help me out.

I've run out and bought too many cool widgets that I've never used before - this time I need to make sure that I'm getting what I need only.

Thanks for your time.

CA Hinge tools
 

The DuBro tool is nicer than cutting slots by hand, but see if Santa will bring you a GP Slot Machine instead :D

Bar sanders almost are a must (although they can easily be made)

So is a razor saw!!! Most of the tail feather sticks I use a razor blade for, but there are a million places where a saw comes in handy.

Forget the 3 minute epoxy (I hope that was a typo) you need 30 minute epoxy, and THIN CA is a MUST if you're using CA Hinges.

You might try this one.....
 

MinnFlyer has it down pat. From practical experience I can not comment on the GP hinge cutter. I only read somewhere that it CAN (?), be a handful till you get it mastered. I would experiment on scrap first till you feel confident using it. I personally use the Harry Higgley hinge cutting tool. It worked great for me. Yes.... bar sanders a must. I save a lot of the light ply after punching out the parts. (pack rat) :D One thing you can make with these is small "sanding sticks".. Maybe 5 or 6" long and a few narrow ones up to 1" or so wide. I buy the stick on sandpaper from GP and just stick it to the ply and trim with a razor blade. ( you might want to spray some clear coat or make sure all dust is off stick so the paper sticks weel). I use a razor saw a lot. Trimming off servo arms, plastic control rods tubes, etc. Cutting thick balsa is very easy with a razor saw. I don't know what you will end up with for a building board but here is a hint if you use a ceiling tile. I "thought" my new work bench top was very level. I put down the ceiling tile and layed a 4 foot straight edge at several angles and found it had several low spots that ALSO showed up low in the same areas on my bare work top too. I got a stack of index cards, and started putting 3 or 4, (or more), in small stacks under the tile till it was perfectly level. In case I needed to lift the tile ..... I ran a long piece of scotch tape across all the cards to lightly secure them.
Good luck on your project..... lownslo

CA Hinge tools
 

MinnFlyer - yes that was a typo....

I could make bar sanders etc, but I have no wood working tools other than a power cut-off saw, a bow-saw, a Dremel clone and a swiss army knife. Now if you want to do a valve adjustment on a motorcycle or swap the clutch out of a Nissan Pathfinder, I'm all set, but as when it comes to little fidly bits o'wood, I'm empty handed!

CA Hinge tools
 

Well, I once totally designed and scratch built a 2 meter glider with no tools other than a razor blade and some drill bits (note: not even a drill... had to turn them by hand!). So anythings possible! In fact, I was thinking of starting a thread along those lines. Maybe I'll just do that.

CA Hinge tools
 

For CA type hinges the Higley hinge slotter is superb if you follow the directions.

Dave Segal

CA Hinge tools
 

I always seem to be too late with help, but may help another builder. I have made a many hinge slot with a#11 blade and I have the scars to prove it! You can always get a hinge tool, but I would say a razor saw is a must. I have always been a tool nut and have faced the fact that too many is not quite enough.Good luck and keep a box of Band-Aids handy.AMA14958

CA Hinge tools
 

For the cheap bar sander, no need to be Norm Abrahms :)

Get get a piece of hardwood about 2-3 inches wide and 24 or so inches long. (If you go to home depot or a store like that, check out hardwood flooring, pre laminated. Lots of times the tongue or grooves on a piece are damaged and useless for flooring. Doesn't hurt to ask for it or at least pay a $1-2 cost)

Double sided tape at Walmart, $2 for 50 feet. Also get a roll of sandpaper $4 for 25 foot roll. You won't use the full width; probably half. Use the laminated side to tape the sandpaper to; and it's easy to remove but holds until you want it off.

voila, a cheap sanding bar with no woodworking.

Bob

CA Hinge tools
 

The hinging tool I use is the Harry Higgley tools and a centering tool by Great Planes and Goldberg.
A flat hard sanding board is needed,can make or build,balsa saw is big help,as time goes on the tool supply gets larger,sometimes I think the tools breed and multiply when the lites are off.

CA Hinge tools
 

I only use the 11" bar sanders, having two is a good idea. The Great Planes bar sanders are excellent.