how big of gap before I seal the hinges?
 

I've had my hog bipe on hold for about 2 months out of hinging frustration. First I did CA, and I got the feeling it didn't look like it wicked in right... I tested and was right, pulled 2 ailerons out. Redid them, and got them in good. I was nice and careful to make sure I didn't have much gap. So little in fact that I didn't have enough throw because of the rounded shape of the aileron. I thought about sanding them to a point, but I figured that SIG knew would happen, so why should I think about it?

After that I decided to go with dubro hinges. I've got about a 1/8th inch gap now, but pleanty of throw available this time. Am I going to need to seal these suckers?

http://www.mineart.org/scott/hingegap.jpg

how big of gap before I seal the hinges?
 

Nads,
Go ahead and seal them. To get a better fit with the Dubro hinges you have to remove some balsa to recess the hinge some. use a light touch of Vaseline to keep the epoxy out and keep working the surface till set. Pete

how big of gap before I seal the hinges?
 

Nads:

The plane looks sharp, specially the head rest.

But yes, do seal the gaps. At the speed the Hog Bipe will fly you might never have a problem without sealing them, but the control response will be better with the seal.

Bill.

how big of gap before I seal the hinges?
 

I always seal the gap on my sport planes, no matter how small a gap I manage to achieve. Seal her up!

how big of gap before I seal the hinges?
 

For future reference, you want NO GAP....I typically sand the hinge area to a point, maybe with about 1/16 flat or less. By sanding to a point and recessing the hinges, you can get FULL deflection.

how big of gap before I seal the hinges?
 

I usually do the same thing... typically prompted by the manual. This time I forgot to learn from experience

how big of gap before I seal the hinges?
 

I'm going to amend your statement Jeff.

"Ideally", you want no gap. However, especially in the case of CA hinges, it is better to have a slight gap and seal it than to put too much undue stress on the hinges.

how big of gap before I seal the hinges?
 

Gap seal question: Is it better to form a "pleat" of covering and attach it to both sides of the gap, or use a flat strip and attach it to only the leading side?

how big of gap before I seal the hinges?
 

Charlie P.:

If you secure one sealing flap on the forward side only it tends to flutter all by itself. I have, however, seen loose flaps installed on both sides of the gap (or top and bottom) working nicely. But they tend to tear/separate from the forward surface where they are secured.

They do look good when they are new, and if you don't mind replacing them every now and then, go for it. Just don't do it on one side only.

Bill.

how big of gap before I seal the hinges?
 

It has been quite a while since I have used CA hinges......I agree you need to have some stress relief there, so IDEALLY no gap. With the Robart hinges (and all similar to) you can achieve NO GAP.