Got my first model!

[Piper]

I got my first stick and tissue model today, the Guillows Build-by-Number Cessna 180. It looks like a very nice kit and hopefully I have the skills to build it. Sadly, I won't be able to build it for awhile because I recently broke my thumb while playing hockey I should get my cast off in about 5 days. Nevertheless I can't wait to start!

Piper

[Philc40]

Congratulation & Good Luck building it.

[Wildpig]

Too bad about your thumb,dude.
Hey, do you have the stuff to start building????
A building board, (wooden or a magnetic board)
pins,
glue,
sandpaper
single edge razor blades or x-acto knife

There is a build thread on this forum for the same kit you have. Lots of information and pictures.

[Piper]

So far for building I only have a hobby knife and some sandpaper, what type of glue and sandpaper is the best? I will definitly check out that build thread, thanks Wildpig.

Piper

[Wildpig]

Glue: Elmer's White Glue will work just fine. Some folks use CA or "super glue". Testor's makes a wood glue.
Sandpaper: I use 220 grit for heavy sanding, such as leading edges of the wing. Most everything else 320 grit or 400 will do. Any brand.
A sanding block is helpful. I've seen simple ones such as wrapping a piece of sandpaper around one of those Testor's square paint bottles.
You didn't ask, but... building board: you can use a cork bulletin board, some guys use a commercial grade ceiling tile from local home improvement stores.
Use the search feature on this forum, most likely any question you have there is a thread that explains it, and sometimes with pictures . Of course, anybody on this forum will be happy to answer any questions you post.

Since you can't build, yet because of your injury. Read the plans front and back and all over. Get a good idea in your head of what's going on before you start.

[Piper]

Ok, I will look around for those thankyou very much. I'm getting my cast off this Wednesday but I probably won't build my plane till the spring break in March because I'm real busy with school right now. I found the build threads very helpful and I will look over them as I build my plane,Thanks very much!

Piper

[StefanJ]

For your first build, PATIENCE is the key. Use your down-time to look over the build threads!

I have built sanding blocks from old cassette tape cases. Tape the case shut, cut a piece of sandpaper to fit, tape it on.

You might want to make up a few sanding blocks, with different grits, ready to go. And have spare strips of sandpaper cut and ready to go.

Replace your blades frequently. A nice sharp blade makes an amazing difference in accuracy and ease.

Craft stores like Jo-Ann and Micheal's sell really cheap cutting mats. You only need a little one, less than page sized. When you make a cut, use the mat, not a table or whatever! Mats have lines on them which you can use to help make your cuts nice and square. A metal ruler helps there too.

Once you are ready to go, a good first step, to familiarize yourself with cutting balsa, is to cut your stringers from their sheet, using a sharp fresh blade, metal ruler, and cutting mat. Bundle all of the same-size pieces together using strips of paper. Believe me, it is really easy to mix them up! I did just that on the tail of my Cessna 180.

Have fun!

[Piper]

Thanks for all the tips I'm sure they will be very useful during my build.

Piper

[ADW 123]

I have this great sandpaper that comes on a roll, lasts forever, and you unroll it and one side is sticky. Just pull some off, rip it, and stick it on my sanding block. Your tools are really important. Take the time to find the right ones and learn to use them effectively. Post pictures. More later.

[StefanJ]

What's the brand name of the roll sandpaper, ADW123? Never heard of it, and it sounds neat.