covering 1st plane
 

Wanted some input on what device to use to cover my first plane that I am building. I have seen heat guns and irons for sale. Are there certain areas on the plane that one should be used over the other or can one be used for covering the entire thing? Advantages/Disadvantages of each?Is there a type of covering this being the first one I am going to do? Thanks

RE: covering 1st plane
 

The plan in my avatar was my first covering job. I just used a 21st Century iron and a Top-Filte trim iron and Ultracote.
The Ultracote shrinks nicely and is easy to iron. Just be patient, go slowly and pay attention to the temperature of the iron.

RE: covering 1st plane
 

Is Ultracote the same as Monokote? I was looking in Towerhobbies and they have Monokote.

RE: covering 1st plane
 

Ultracote is the same in that it is a heat sensitive film, but different in that it shrinks at a lower temperature than monokote. The general consensus i've seen on RCU is that people tend to prefer ultracote to work with although i can't comment. I used Monokote on my first build and didn't find it difficult, just take your time with it is all i can say and plan out how your going to carry out laying on each section. I have the top-flite trim iron (great for getting into any corners or tacking down on small areas), the top-flite "full-size" iron and the top-flite heat gun. Each found there use in covering different parts of my plane, below is just how i found each to work on my first cover job:

Trim iron:

Great for working down the edges of sections of covering before shrinking the middle. Also good for getting into corners and doing any detailed areas where you need to look at what you're doing while appying the heat (the "full-size" iron tends to obscure the working area).

"full-size" iron:

Good for working down areas of covering over larger areas of sheeting (sections of wings, fuselage).

Heat gun:

Best for shrinking down "unsupported" areas such as wings.

Hope this helps!

RE: covering 1st plane
 

The description of the hardware was one of the things that I was really looking for since this is the first plane that I will be covering and Chtristmas is right around the corner ;). And the difference between the coverings is good info also. Thanks

RE: covering 1st plane
 

I wouldn't forget to look up Minnflyer's videos on how to apply the covering with different little tricks outlined for your convenience.

RE: covering 1st plane
 

Do you have a link for that?

RE: covering 1st plane
 

http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...?article_id=67

RE: covering 1st plane
 

Here's another:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=352

This is a review of the GP Profile-38 - If you scroll down to the section on covering, there are 3 videos that may help.

RE: covering 1st plane
 

A while ago i asked the same question and one of the guys ,Barking Bob sent me a video on how to cover with monocote made by great planes(if i am not mistaking). He did help me alot with the video so now is my turn,PM or email me your address and i'll send you a tape.
Hope it'll help.And welcome to the forum!

Mitty

RE: covering 1st plane
 

Thanks. My email address is [email protected]. Drop me an email and I will send you my home address. Thanks a lot for the help.