DIY Network

Rx for RC: Building Tips, Part 2 From "Radio Control Hobbies" episode RCH-208

In this segment, Chris Chianelli gets more expert advice on building balsa-wood planes from long-time model-builder Frank Tiano.

Important: This demonstration provides some of the basic information for assembly and operation of this particular model or kit. There are variations in assembly for each particular model. Read and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with yours, whether it is this particular model or another. Additional information about assembly as well as running, troubleshooting and fine-tuning the model can be found in the manufacturer's instructions.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

Building Tips, Part 2

• With the wing assembly put together, and some of the elements held securely to the work surface using T-pins, glue-up can begin.

• The plane is glued together using a thin-viscosity cyanoacrylate (CA) glue. Rather than using the ordinary extender tip that comes with the glue dispenser, Frank uses a special micro-drop applicator that comes with the glue. Simply insert one end of the micro-dropper tubing into the tip of the glue bottle (figure A).

• This particular assembly, and that of similar models, uses what is known as intimate contact assembly, meaning that the pieces fit together very tightly. The micro-dropper allows the glue to be placed in the precise locations where elements meet (figure B).

• The glue is formulated to wick into the balsa (figure C) -- i.e., soak into the wood quickly, by capillary action -- to bond quickly and securely.

• Continue in this manner at all of the juncture points throughout the wing structure (figure D). In the past, using old-style model glue, this procedure was tedious and might have taken as long as four hours. Following that process, the glue would need to harden overnight. Using the CA glue, Chris and Frank were able to complete the glue-up an just a few minutes.

• Once the glue hardens, the T-pins can be removed (figure E).

• The wing assembly is now essentially complete (figure F).

In the segment that follows, Chris gets shop tips and a shop-tour from expert model-builder Frank Tiano.