Hinge slotting for CA hinges
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Hinge slotting for CA hinges
I have read the tutorial by MinnFlyer on installing CA hinges but I have one question about cutting the hinge slots.
I ordered the Dubro slotting tool a while ago and noticed that the blade is noticeably thicker than a #11 blade. Does this blade create a suitable slot or is it too "thick" for the CA hinges?
Also, this site is an awesome source of RC information. I have learned an incredible amount in the past month. Thanks to everyone who contributes. I hope I can get to the point where I can start to contribute myself.
GarryM
I ordered the Dubro slotting tool a while ago and noticed that the blade is noticeably thicker than a #11 blade. Does this blade create a suitable slot or is it too "thick" for the CA hinges?
Also, this site is an awesome source of RC information. I have learned an incredible amount in the past month. Thanks to everyone who contributes. I hope I can get to the point where I can start to contribute myself.
GarryM
#3
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CA Hinges
I think he's talking about the Dubro hinge tool not the Hobbico "slot machine". I think the Dubro tool IS too big. It sure is a lot bigger than the number 11 blade.
Personally, I went to a machine shop supply house and bought a 2" x 0.010" saw blade, mounted it on an arbor. I use this in my drill press. Lock the height and feed the surfaces into it. Centers things every time.
Personally, I went to a machine shop supply house and bought a 2" x 0.010" saw blade, mounted it on an arbor. I use this in my drill press. Lock the height and feed the surfaces into it. Centers things every time.
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Hinge slotting for CA hinges
Buy the Higley hinge slotting tool. Follow the directions and make life simple. BTW it uses #11 blades. I threw the DuBro tool in the trash.
Dave Segal
Dave Segal
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Hinge slotting for CA hinges
Thanks for the advice.
I would like to have a GP slotting machine but I find the $50CDN a bit steep. I have a few other tools that are higher on my priority list at the moment.
Think I will check out the Higley tool. Judging from the pictures on the Tower Hobbies site it appears that the two aluminum plates clamp the #11 blade(s) between them. I assume that you support the material to be slotted horizontally at the correct height and slide the tool (plates & blade(s)) into the material and slide it along. Sounds like a good system.
Garry
I would like to have a GP slotting machine but I find the $50CDN a bit steep. I have a few other tools that are higher on my priority list at the moment.
Think I will check out the Higley tool. Judging from the pictures on the Tower Hobbies site it appears that the two aluminum plates clamp the #11 blade(s) between them. I assume that you support the material to be slotted horizontally at the correct height and slide the tool (plates & blade(s)) into the material and slide it along. Sounds like a good system.
Garry
#7
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Hinge slotting for CA hinges
Garry, worse come to worse, just use a #11 blade, and save your pennies for those other tools you need. (and don't forget to ask Santa for a GP Slot Machine) I didn't want to endorse a product in the "How To" column, but that's what I use. If I didn't have one, I would just use an exacto knife with a #11 blade.
#10
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Hinge slotting for CA hinges
Do yourself a favor and pop for the GP Slot Machine!!
It is the WHIP!! If you ever plan on building another plane, it will pay for itself in saved frustration (no, I don't work for the company either). There is no other way to get such a perfect slot for CA hinges. If you get one, practice on some scrap balsa first.
It is the WHIP!! If you ever plan on building another plane, it will pay for itself in saved frustration (no, I don't work for the company either). There is no other way to get such a perfect slot for CA hinges. If you get one, practice on some scrap balsa first.
#11
2nd or 3rd that
Get the GP Slot Machine. I have the corded version and it cuts each slot in about 7 seconds. I first made a centering line and then use the little alignment tool that GP makes. After I cut the slots in the Wing (for example) I repeat the process on the aileron. Make sure you align the tool in the same orientation as the wing and it will come out perfect every time. I have used it for CA and GP Pinned hinges and it worked great for both of them. It hurt to pay the $35 I spent for a tool that only does one thing but I almost look forward to this step now. Whereas, I used to dread cutting hinge slots before.
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Hinge slotting for CA hinges
make sure to buy the slotting jig when you get the slot machine. trying to use one without it is tough. easy as pie with it. To me there would be very few tools more important, except a razor saw and #11 blades
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Hinge slotting for CA hinges
Thanks for all the tips. :thumbup:
Think I will arrange for St. Nick to leave a GP slotting machine under the tree.
Garry
Think I will arrange for St. Nick to leave a GP slotting machine under the tree.
Garry
#17
RE: Hinge slotting for CA hinges
Old thread, but I purchased a Great Planes Hinge Slot Machine. Wow, I wish I thought of this years ago. Slotted the all the tail sections of my Kraftkit 4 Season 40 in a matter of minutes, cleanly.