I need help on my very frist build

[Wildpig]

Discussion on washout, try this thread: http://balsamodels.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2449

Models to build: Bird Dog sounds like a good one to me for flying. If you just want to build for display, pick any of the 900 or 500 series that suits your fancy.
Another flying model that is fun to build is the Fairchild 24.

Balsa cutter or stripper: http://www.shortysbasement.com

The two balsa cutters listed are fairly expensive. There is one available, around $10, I thought I got it from Shorty's but, I don't see it there now. To give you an idea what it looks like, Mitch is using one. http://balsamodels.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2452

[Jason K]

I got thinking does a person need a balsa stripper to build kits like guillows and others? Wildpig thanks for the links. You and mitch have been much help to me and others too.Yea you are right they are pricey but is it worth it for what you get ? I am really thinking about getting one for models I am going to build this winter there will be guillows and others I want too build.Let me know.



Thanks
Jason

[Wildpig]

To build from a kit, a balsa stripper is not needed. If you are scratch building, then a balsa stripper is very handy to have. If you are building for maximum flying performance, then I would say one is a necessity.

[Jason K]

Wildpig,
I plan on doing a printed kit here sooner or later. Would the stipper or cutter be a must or a good idea?



Thanks
Jason

[Mitch]

I wouldn't say it is necessary, but as you build up your tool collection it's nice to have. I got this one from my hobby shop at a cost of $4.95. It is a Master Airscrew Balsa Stripper, from the Windsor Propeller Co. You could do the same with an x-acto knife and a straight edge. But I think as I use it more I will like the repeatablity of the width of cut.

I believe some modelers only use just an x-acto knife and sanding block and do wonderful work. I prefer to have a greater selection of special tools to help my projects.

Mitch

[Jason K]

As you all know I am in the middle of this project.I need to start on the wing for the next step.But I am think of backing off of it for now until I know what I am doing,so I am wondering in the 600 line would work the best too teach me more of the basics of building the wing. and how many of them do in need here and what other ones are good too move up from there and etc..Then I will pick up where I left off building this project.Just my thoughts.Any input I would like on this matter I will take in..


PS: I think I took more then I can chew with this project.I made a ops..lol


Thanks
Jason K

[Wildpig]

Jason,
Just keep at it. The construction method on the 500 series is very similar to many other kits, Guillow's and others.
If you make a mistake, cut your own parts from balsa stock or order replacement balsa parts from Guillow.
(Replacement Parts, I wish more model manufacturers both balsa and plastic would do this).

If you want to go with the 600 series... the Javelin is simple to build, flies very well.

You could go with the 4000 series, Cloud Buster and Flyboy.
This four kit series was originally intended to be an introduction to balsa models, starting with a basic glider and moving to the more complex, powered rubber powered designs.

[Jason K]

Oh I am going too keep at it.I really injoy this hobby more then my other one .I find it more relaxing unlike my other one fishing. Now they are killing off the fish in the lake where I fish and redoing the lake then restocking I have always liked WWII planes and pre WWII planes But anyways The reason I would like to build a 600 I need to know how too trim for best fight so I fig a top wing would be the best then a bottom wing. I am going to finish the wing here in the next 2-3 weeks.I am done in the field I just need to get things put away and check over.But I will be working on the wing off and on.I just hope I don't warp the wing some how. but I think I could take it out by soaking it down with water and pin too my work board..I was also wondering what kinda glue would you say is good for building the wing.I built the fuse with ca glue.It just seems alittle too fast for my pace but on the other hand I like the speed of it drying time.I mite be getting in too big of a hurry with it thou.Anyways do you all think I should get a top wing for my next one or ??? and what 600 or ???. and what kinda glue here.I do have wood glue that is water proof.Sorry for all the ??'s but I want hear from you guys as I go here. To me it is hard to see where to start to finish with the plans as in the wing.I am still having a hard time tring too fig out the best way too blance and looking good at the same time. You are right wildpig they do have replacement part for there planes is a good thing..I looked at other kits and they do not have spare parts for them. You have to buy the whole kit over.( sucks)I bet you guys are getting tried of me asking all these ???..lol.All of you been a great deal of help more then you guys think. Thanks for the input everyone.

Oh one last thing what kinda tools would you all say is good to get.I have a knife,ca glue,balsa building board,pins,wax paper, sand paper,glue sticks,dope,dope thinner, camel hair brushes and 12 steel ruler.I would like to get a balsa stripper sometime comming here soon.

Thanks
Jason K

[Wildpig]

A high wing airplane model is much easier to get to fly than a low wing....as a general rule. The 600 series Cessna 180 is a good one. Not only is it fairly easy to build and fly, there is a build thread on this forum of the 180. Lots of information in that thread.

The tools you have will be o.k. for most any balsa kit build. By knife, I assume you mean an X-acto knife with the no. 11 blades.
I think that is the most useful for balsa models.
As for glue, I really like Ambroid wood glue. It's a lightweight glue, dries fairly quickly, but not too fast for us slow pokes.

[Wildpig]

Wildpig,
I plan on doing a printed kit here sooner or later. Would the stipper or cutter be a must or a good idea?

Thanks
Jason

I just noticed this question you posted. In the case of a print wood kit or building just from plans, a balsa stripper is not needed. You can buy things like 1/16" square stringers from a hobby shop or some craft stores. If you are going to make laminated pieces like Mitch is doing , then you need a stripper. I have one and have not used it on any kit builds. I am planning on building a Peanut Scale DeHaviland DH.2, the balsa sizes are oddball dimensions, in millimeters, at that. So a balsa stripper is a necessity for that build.

[Mitch]

Hey all... just my 2 cents... A balsa stripper is NOT necessary.

As for the 600 series I would go with the Javelin or Lancer as they are a bit bigger and believe they would be easier to build and fly better.

As for glue I like good ol' fashion Elmer's white glue. I rarely use CA, but do on occasion.

As for parts... I think it is great that Guillows sells parts, as my last order for less than 40 dollars will allow me to build 4 more models, 3 in the 200 and another 400 series Me109... of course I will supply other material and need to cut out parts.

Mitch

[Jason K]

Well I am done with the wing as of last night ..Now I am moving on to the stabilizer and rudder.I am wondering what is a good way to glue them.Being they are flat and what type of glue.I have ca,white,and wood glue on hand.

Thanks
Jason K

[Wildpig]

Assemble the same way as the wing. Cover your plans with wax paper , clear plastic, whatever you like. Pin the parts to the plans.
You can always look at the Cessna 180 build thread to see how things are done.

White glue seems to be the preferred glue on this forum.

[Phugoid]

Hi Jason,

The Cessna 180 group build thread may be of help to you, I recently bumped it as I had left it for some time because of a number of other projects and priorities and had finally got round to trimming it properly.

I don't use a stripper and yet most of my builds are from scratch I simply cut strip with a rule and a scalpel, plus my highly calibrated eyeball!

Get either the 180 or super cub 600 series kits, both will fly well as long as you build them good and straight, there are a number of anomalies in these kits and I hope that once they are laser cut that they are corrected, but my build threads point these out and what to do about them.

Look out any of Scigs' builds they are super And show what can be done.

Here is a flight of my 600 super cub, this little bird is delightful for such a simple and cheap kit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8fckjBS ... ata_player


Andrew

[Jason K]

Wildpig,
I could not get too it today along night had really bad storms last night.Anyways I will do it just like my wing I built.I happen too use wax paper it is easier to find around here.You and everyone else have been alot of help with my frist project.I hope I can get it all done in the next two weeks,but not covered.

Hi Phugoid,
I have been reading on your 180 build.I have not got very far with it.Looks interesting and helpful.I know alot of ppl have said to read it.I coundn't find until you posted it back up on the forum.I ordered a 180 this month so my next project is the 180.Looks harder to build then my FW-190.Alot of pppl said it would be a good kit to learn on and easy to learn how too trim for fight.I like your video that you posted on the fight of your cub.I know I hope my 180 well fly as good as yours. I know it will alot of learning to trimming for me too learn.I know a few ppl said my FW-190 is a lead sled and really hard too trim for flight plus it is a low wing more unstable for fight.Oh what size of tan rubber did you use on your 180 build?? I have to go for now.

Thanks for the replies
Jason K