Hey guys,
I am building a scale subject and rather than use the kit's CA hinges I am considering using some Robart or Great Planes hinge points for control surface attachments. Should be slightly more scale looking. Never used them before so what are the positives and negatives with using Hinge points??? Do they leave a larger gap for air to leak through? Do they break or bind? etc.
Thanks......

I can think of no negatives for Robart hinge points. They require a little more precision during the installation but that is about all.

I make a jig so that both LE and TE holes are in the exact same line, then after drilling I use an Exacto to relieve the surface letting the hinge set a little deeper. Then cut a notch out of the trailing edge. This results in a very scale looking hinge with minimum gap (the TE can be made to touch the LE but I leave a gap about the thickness of a piece of paper.

negatives-takes little more time and effort to install correctly,positive--works good when installed correctly.

Don't substitute GP hinges for Robart thinking they are the same.

Vince

I have used the a few times. Have had them come loose after many years. Was not dissatisfied with them though.

If installed properly, they are impossible to come loose without destroying the structure. I made a test piece using a large Robart hinge installed with polyurethane glue. It takes a bit of experimenting to find out just how much glue to use due to the foaming nature when it cures. The test piece required pliers to grip the balsa, and actually tore apart, the hinge point never let go. Needless to say I am using polyrethane glue from now on to install these hinges.

Vince

Hi,

Something that works for me....

If you glue in the hinge points, deflect the surface before the glue sets up. Since they are round, you can get them misaligned even if they are drilled in line. Deflecting the surface will rotate the hinge points into alignment till the glue holds

Thanks to eveyone for all the good advice and tips.