CA hinges
 

hi all i currently building a sledge 540 and are about to install the control surfaces, but not sure how since it is my first experience with CA hinges.
i realise that by using thin CA could get a little difficult (sticking before the conrol surface is all the way in) so would it better to use a thicker CA or epoxy.
thanks for the help.

RE: CA hinges
 

OK you assemble the flight controls together then add a drop of THIN CA and it will wick it's way all the way to the edge of the hinge. A tip to use is to put a pin through the center of the hinge to make sure it is centered on the flight control. Once it is assembled pull the pins out and bend the surface a little farther than it would be in flight. Place 2 drops of, I'll say it again, THIN CA on what you can see as a thin strip of hinge watch it wick away.

BTW Once they are in they are in, I have never been able to succesfully remove one without tearing away wood in the process. Also I believe most hinges are treated with a chemical that slows down the curing process of thin CA to allow for better wicking action.

I hope this helps.

RE: CA hinges
 

SBR check this out this may help, [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=55]ca hinges[/link]...... also i myself like to run a exacto blade threw both sides to allow more wicking to take place and use 4-5 drops per side, check for fit and adust accordingly where you install the hinges if there to snug, ive done it on several planes and ive had no trouble check for fit and adjust accordingly

RE: CA hinges
 

Use that RCU link as a guide. That's good info there. You always fit the hinges dry at first to make sure everything fits and that the slots are deep enough. Then put the hinges into both sides using the T pin in the center (install them dry, no CA). Set the gap to what the instructions say (1/16" is fine). Then start to put drops of THIN CA onto each hinge. Not too much though, it will drip everywhere. You can see when the hinge stops absorbing the CA, it starts to drip along and follow the hinge line. Also drilling 3/32 or 1/8 holes in the middle of the slot is a good idea. It gives the CA a path to travel all the way to the back to the end of the hinge in the wing etc.

I actually like installing CA hinges. It's very easy and they work really nice. Don't forget to keep flexing the control surface to each extreme (quickly) while it cures to keep it smooth and bind-free. But don't hold it to either extreme for long or it could start to stick there. Flex them quickly. Use CA remover from the local hobby shop to clean up the wing when you're done.

RE: CA hinges
 

thanks guys.
so i drill a hole down the hinge slot (this seems like a good idea) dry fit the hinges and once every things goes in well i drop i few drops of CA on the the small part of the hinge i can see, and move quikly to so it doesnt crack or damage the hinges..

i dont realy feel like pulling apart the tail

RE: CA hinges
 

You can skip the hole if you get the CA hinges that have a slot in the center (not sure of the manufacturer).

Mike

RE: CA hinges
 

I have been drawing a heavy line down the area where the hinge bends with a crayon. The idea is to keep CA out of that spot so it doesn't become brittle and break with all of the flexing.