Which hinges are popular in pattern these days? I know my Focus and Zen were shipped with CA but I'm wondering what the general consensus is of CA hinges on pattern planes.

Is there a preferred pinned hinge?

Thanks for your help. I have both hinges stocked and getting ready to assemble a Zen 120.

- Scott

There's only one hinge a freind has done test and the Radio South 1/4 scale is the only hinge you'll ever need.
Steve Maxwell

I have always had very good results from the CA hinges that Radio South sells.

Jon Carter
NSRCA #2354

CA hinges are the way to go, and always seal all control surfaces on the bottom, rudder both sides if possible.


DP

Hi swill,

Please check your PM's.

Like anything else if used properly they are bulletproof. I've never had unsatisfactory results with CA hinges.


In Christ,

Joel Chavez

Can anyone explain their method of installing ca hinges?
ie order of construction, do you cover the surface first, then hinge, then seal the hige gaps both sides?

I have used CA hinges for 20 years and never had a failure. Radio South hinges are the original CA hinges and in my opinion are much better than any of the others.

I too have been using the Radio South CA hindges for over 15 years. I just use an exacto knife and cut a slot. Be careful not to bleed in too much thin CA as it can run down the aileron bevel gap and stain a new monokote job. The next step is to seal the air gap from to bottom side using monokote. Not only does sealing the air gap make the plane respond better, it eliminates much of a flutter potential that can cause any hindge to fail. I have only had CA hinges work loose on planes where I could not seal the air gap. This is mainly on the rudder when the vertical fin is painted.

After ONCE having an aileron on a pattern plane try to come Un-hinged, I landed on this formula, and although a bit more work, I have not had a single hinge ever loosen since.
1. I cover everything, and hinge last.
2. After marking center lines (I use the MK guide for that), I cut with a NEW #11 Exacto blade.
3. Using a razor, or another new #11, a carefully cut the covering away from the slots, about 1/16" on both sides, and on both the fixed and movable parts. This ensures "bare wood" for the CA to penetrate.
4. Draw center lines across the hinges with a pencil. This does a couple things; makes an area of the hinge that won't wick CA and stiffen, flex, and wear, and it gives a good reference point for depth.
5. Insert hinges in the movable parts. CA in place, 3 or 4 drops on both sides of the hinge. The first time you do it this way, you'll SEE the CA wicking into the hinge and the surrounding wood. If the covering is still there, a LOT of the CA wicks under the covering, and DOES NOT follow the hinge material into the wood.
6. "Dry install" the surfaces into the fixed parts. I do this to make certain of slot alignments, widths, etc. It's easy to move a slot a hinge width up or down with a very sharp blade, and WAY easier at this stage before gluing
7. When satisfied with everything, install, right up to the line, and CA. I always do this with gravity helping; I'll hold the wing panel with chord vertical, flex the aileron and do one side at a time.

This may seem pretty anal, and a lot of work, but you for sure won't have a hinge failure ruin your day. And by the way, I *only* use Radio South Pro Hinges....

Thanks guys! I appreciate the info -looks like I'll stick with CA hinges for my Zen. They were Radio South hinges that I bought the other day, BTW!

I haven't had any CA hinge problems on any of my models... what I do is drill a 3/32" or so hole in the center to allow the CA to penetrate more into the wood.

Gents: does radio south has a web page?

http://www.radiosouthrc.com/

http://www.radiosouthrc.com/