hi every one, I'm now starting my first scratch build from plans. I've built plenty of laser cut kits, but a first time building from plan. After a lot of careful searching, I decided to go with the vintage ace all-star bipe. I actually found complete plans for free at starcadplans.net, I spent all last night scaling and measuring to be sure that every thing jives. So far so good. Does any one have any advice, tips or tricks for a first time scratch builder?thanks, Steve.

Just take it slow and steady don't get in a hurry, you want it to be fun not a job. Look at any and all builds for similar aircraft on RCU before you start. I have borrowed some of my best ideas from this forum. And the most important thing start a building thread here! You will get a lot of support to help build you confidence as well as valuable input as you go. Things you may not have thought of will spark the memories of the members following your build. In the end it is up to you to decide whether to use a suggestion or not, in the long run you have the potential to get a better built airplane. Good luck!

Mike

Don't make two left hand fuselage sides.....

Since you've already done a few laser cut kits the only thing you're truly adding to the building experience is cutting out your own parts. And the only hint I can think of in that connection is to always cut a hair's width to the outside of the lines. It's easy to sand a little off to make things match or fit but it's not all that easy to make the parts grow if they are too small.

Along that line sandpaper is best used for the vast majority of cases with a backing block to ensure a flat pressure surface.

You will find several good recommendations on how to create your parts most if not all use the method outlined by BMatthews. If the wing is a constant cord you can sandwich the ribs between two plywood templates and rough cut the shape then sand the balsa to make them uniform final shape. On tapper wings you generally don't make plywood templates but copy or trace the rib designs from the plans and then cut them out. You may then apply the paper template to a double layer of balsa using 3M 77 adhesive or rubber cement (my preference) so you make matching ribs for each wing at the same time. I have seen builders pin or tack glue double layers of balsa together or use a nut and bolt for to sandwich multiple layers between plywood templates when doing all the ribs at one time. As you can see there are several right ways to do most things in building from plans. I would recommend you use care in purchasing your wood for the project by using a reputable source like an established local hobby shop who can guide you with your selection or one of the more reputable mail order balsa suppliers.

Mike