Pepperpete

I am putting in a lighting system for my 1/8th scale F-16. Does anyone have some advice on how to drill from the top of the fin down to the bottom to allow the hookup wires? I'm concerned that I will weaken the structure if I start drilling.

ByLoudDesign

If you use a jewelers file strike a small flat area as large as the light you wish to mount, you may end up with a hole by doing this. Make sure you are using sharp drills. Take a small drill, say half the size of the hole you need and start it by twirling it between your fingers, then use a Dremel tool to finish the small hole. Next select the size drill to fit the need and very slowly drill the hole. This way you have not put a lt of pressure on the seam, if there is one!

flyinfool1

My Feedback: (2)

The trick is getting the hole started in the right place.
As mentioned, start by making a flat, then start the hole with a smaller bit in a pin vise.
Then depending on the fin construction (foam filled, hollow built up) follow that up with a drill bit long enough to reach thru and just big enough for the wires. Drill very slowly so that the drill does not catch and break things.
Then open up the hole on top to fit the light. Depending on construction it may be better to drill or better to use a Dremel.

madmodelman

On composite do not use a drill larger than 1/8" otherwise it will snag on the seam joint glue and cause damage.

Open up with Dremel. There are usually lightening holes in the fin ribs, use some cotton with a dremel collet for weight and dangle it through the structure, you should find a route through.

Pepperpete

Ok great. That makes sense. Thanks.