| Image Comments |
| rayl | 01-Feb-16 14:44 |
| To carry on the conversation that DD started: The engine structure here was wrapped with 1/16" SOFT balsa. I edge-glued sheets together with Cyno then sprayed it down with WIndex, wrapped it around a piece of PVC pipe about the right diameter and let it dry overnight, The sheeting was CYno'd to the structure and trimmed. The front fairing was tacked to the fuselage, sprayed with Windex, then held in place with painters tape until dry (X 2 to get the other side). IT may be just my imagination, but the Windex seems to have just enough Ammonia in it to really relax the wood grain. |
| David Duckett | 01-Feb-16 15:16 |
| There are arguments as to whether Windex actually helps or not. There are those who say the amount of time the wood soaks is more important. I have used Windex but generally just stick with water and I don't think it's necessary to soak a long time. The wood will let you know when it's ready to bend. The correct diameter isn't that important because once dried, the wood will have enough "spring" in it to conform. |
| Skyediamonds1985 | 01-Feb-16 17:52 |
| However which way it works, the model looks great. I'm going the sheeting route myself on the forward fuselage of my S.E. 5 but using 1/32 ply. So, I'm benefiting from this discussion. Thank you guys. |
| David Duckett | 01-Feb-16 18:28 |
| Lite ply in 1/64" or 1/32" thicknesses bend easily without wetting and can be sanded easily so none of this really applies. |
| Don C | 02-Feb-16 12:14 |
| This has been an interesting conversation. Here's my 2 cents worth and a question: I have just soaked 1/16, 3/32 and even 1/8th balsa (soaked is a relative term) with H2O and used wood glue. No problem. Question: What is Lite ply? |
| rayl | 02-Feb-16 12:56 |
| LitePly is a birch plywood that comes in thicknesses ranging from 1/64" up to maybe 1/8" or thicker. 1/64 and (I believe)1/32" are just three layers thick so they can be bent (parallel to the exterior grain) to quite a small radius. LitePly is available at hobby shops (on-line and brick-front) and even at my local Menards. The wing locating tongue sticking out of the fuselage is 1/16" LitePly. |
