Cutting Slots for CA Hinges

[Jeff Morgan]

Hi All!
 
Could someone provide a newbie builder with some CA hinge tips?  What is the best method for cutting consistent slots for the hinges?  The hinge size is 1\2" x 3\4" if that is relevant.  I have a jig for marking the slot...now I need to cut them.  I assume using a #11 blade is going to be time consuming, difficult and not consistent.
 
Thanks in advance!
 
 
 
Jeff
 
 

---

Bing brings you maps, menus, and reviews organized in one place. Try it now.

[Patrick Taggart]

Jeff:   I am sure many guys have more experience than me in this, but I am pretty sure Great Planes makes a jig to help you center the slot, and they also make an electric slot cutter. I have one, and I hope I will never use it again!   I'd be happy to lend it to you.... --- On Sun, 11/22/09, Jeff Morgan <mtnbi...@hotmail.com> wrote:

-- To post to this group, send email to RD...@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to RDRC-uns...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/RDRC Visit our website at http://www.rd-rc.org

[wb4...@teara.org]

>Could someone provide a newbie builder with some CA hinge tips? What is
the best method for cutting consistent slots for the hinges? The hinge size
is 1\2" x 3\4" if that is relevant. I have a jig for marking the slot...now
I need to cut them. I assume using a #11 blade is going to be time
consuming, difficult and not consistent.
>Thanks in advance!
>Jeff

Hi Jeff,

I use one of those little jigs for marking the slot, and then jab a #11
through it. Mark the CA hinge down the centerline (where it will fold), and
stick a pin through it. Shove it in the control surface until it hits the
pin, cram the opposite of the hinge into the stab/wing/etc until it hits.
The pin will leave the clearance needed for the hinge operation. fold the
surface down, wick in a drop of CA on each side. Once it sets, bend the
surface a few times and go fly :-)

I got a bit off topic...my slots aren't always consistent, but they work OK,
hehehhe. Du_Bro makes a tool for plastic hinges. Also, Exacto has a blade
that looks like a "forked snake's tongue". You line to two points up at the
ends of your slot mark, and push it in. Makes a nice cut.

Hope that helps!
Dave

[wb4...@teara.org]

>I have one, and I hope I will never use it again!

Hahahahahah....you've GOT to elaborate on this!

Dave

[Jeff Morgan]

Thanks Dave and Patrick!  I'll give it a go with a #11 since I already have a jig built.
 
 
 
Jeff
 
> To: rd...@googlegroups.com
> From: wb4...@teara.org
> Subject: Re: [RDRC] Cutting Slots for CA Hinges
> Date: Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:06:56 +0000

>
> >I have one, and I hope I will never use it again!
>
>
> Hahahahahah....you've GOT to elaborate on this!
>
> Dave
>
>

> --
> To post to this group, send email to RD...@googlegroups.com
> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to RDRC-uns...@googlegroups.com
> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/RDRC
> Visit our website at http://www.rd-rc.org

---

Windows 7: I wanted simpler, now it's simpler. I'm a rock star.

[Bob Richards]

FWIW, I've stopped using CA hinges on anything that needs the control surfaces deflecting more than +/- 20 degrees or so. The CA hinges are great for pattern planes and some sport planes, but not so good for 3D type planes requiring 45 degree deflections. I found out it takes a lot of servo torque just to bend the CA hinges. That is one reason why I have never had a gear in a HS65HB strip, but other people flying the same plane have to use metal gear servos.   Having said that, I mark the centerline then use a #11 blade to cut the slot. I've tried jigs, but it doesn't take any longer to do it by hand.

[Jeff Morgan]

Hi Bob!
 
Thanks for the insight; the model in question is a Millennium Slow Stick X.  I have a way to go before I am flying 3D...planes or helis!  :o)  Hopefully, the CA hinge solution should work well in this application. 
 
I was able to make a jig from some 1|16" ply and a couple of pieces of paper to mark my hinge area.  Then I followed up with a fresh #11 blade and made my 1" wide slot.  Got the tail section covered earlier and will install the hinges tomorrow.
 
FWIW, I found this article and video which provides some info on CA Hinges:
 
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=1180
 
 
 
 
Jeff
 
 

---

Date: Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:37:35 -0800
From: b...@toprudder.com

Subject: Re: [RDRC] Cutting Slots for CA Hinges

To: rd...@googlegroups.com

[Patrick Taggart]

It just means that I, who used to be a builder whose hands and clothes were routinely covered with epoxy, CA, paint and solvent, am now an ARF addict....! O the humanity!...

--- On Sun, 11/22/09, wb4...@teara.org <wb4...@teara.org> wrote:

From: wb4...@teara.org <wb4...@teara.org> Subject: Re: [RDRC] Cutting Slots for CA Hinges To: rd...@googlegroups.com