Covering Techniques??
 

I recenty covered a Sig SE and only had trouble covering the part behind the cockpit (not sure what that is called). Does anyone have any suggestions for covering areas like these? I'm sure I could have covered it better if it was sheeted instead of open.

RE: Covering Techniques??
 

Are you referring to the turtle deck ?

RE: Covering Techniques??
 

Yeah. I was going to call it that but wasn't sure that was what it is called.

RE: Covering Techniques??
 

I am not sure which covering you are using, but I use monokote.

1) Unroll your monokote, and drape it over the turtle deck in the lengthwise direction of the roll (Monokote shrinks more in the lengthwise direction compared to the width of the roll, and by doing this, there will be less sagging in the open bay areas when you shrink it down. Same thing applies to covering wings with open bays)
2) Use a felt pen to mark the corners of a piece that is approx 2 inches larger than the deck
3) Cut that piece out
4) Remove the backing (you'll find it very easy if you use the sharp tip of your #11 x-acto and "dig" a little into the backing sheet) and place the monokote over the deck in the proper orientation, leaving 2" margin all around
5) Use the half point rule, and tack down the canopy end first, then stretch the monokote to the tail end and tack down. Stretch to the sides and tack down, always using the half-point rule to minimise sagging and wrinkles after shrinking
6) Iron down all the edges
7) Trim the film leaving 1/8" to 1/4" margin all around
8) Seal down all the edges and use your sealing iron or heat gun to slowly shrink the covering drum tight. Be careful with the heat gun near the edges as the seams will lift if overheated ! You may want to cover the seams with a damp cloth before using the heat gun

That's all to it. If the deck is sheeted, it will be slightly easier. But why add weight to your plane ? Good luck.........

RE: Covering Techniques??
 

Thanks I will try it again if i have enough covering laying around.

RE: Covering Techniques??
 

Glad to help !

RE: Covering Techniques??
 

At the risk of asking the "dumb question", what is the half point rule?

RE: Covering Techniques??
 

Not dumb at all. I was going to ask that too.

I have no iron-on covering experience at all. I'm all old-school with dope and paper kind of guy.

RE: Covering Techniques??
 

Well, if it is dumb then there are at least three of us that need educating, cause I would like to know also.

RE: Covering Techniques??
 

Whew! I thought I was alone! Glad I'm not!

RE: Covering Techniques??
 

Taking out as much slack as possible before shrinking forms the basis for a good covering technique. The "half point rule" is basically tacking the covering down in places that are halfway between previous tack points. While you continue to add more and more of these points, some of those that you made earlier may loosen as the covering stretches. Those points need to be pulled and retacked.

I would like to recommend a few excellent resources on covering techniques :

1) Tom's technique by Higley
2) Top Flite Monokote video
3) Covering R/C planes by Faye Stilley

If you guys need the links, let me know and I'll post them. Hope this helps

RE: Covering Techniques??
 

Yeah links are good.

RE: Covering Techniques??
 

Here you go :

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXL794&P=0

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXZ866&P=0

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXHZ84&P=0

Let me know if you need any questions.............Mike

RE: Covering Techniques?? WingTips
 

Hi, read the above and enjoyed it..
Wish you folks would continue with techniques you have used successfully
on Curved Wingtips.
Thanks
Ray

RE: Covering Techniques??
 

Thanks Rajul!

RE: Covering Techniques??
 

Hey, you're most welcomed. Check out the books and videos I suggested. All of the essential "secrets" of good covering will be revealed ;)