I used a small sanding block and sometimes a board like yours. But the
sanded surface isn't always flat, sometimes even convex. I'd very much
to see in a small portable with a flat sanding table much like the
regular sanders. That way the sanded surface would be true. That's why
I want to see if there is a ready made small portable sander as
described in my original post. And if not, could anyone suggest how to
build one?
Wan
> On the "Rookie" you must make a leading edge out of rectangle stock!
> That's the only drawback on that kit.
> mk
This is a common construction method. The best way to shape that leading
edge is with a balsa plane. I use the one from Master Airscrew.
Protect your sheeting with low tack masking tape and plane the block down
until it's a smooth extension of the sheeting. Then mark a center line down
the flat leading edge and get after it with plane. It's faster, more
accurate and doesn't make near the mess that sanding does. Then finish up
with a long sanding block with fine paper.
Once you have a balsa plane you won't know how you got along without it.
Dave
desmobob - 09 Feb 2006 23:59 GMT
> This is a common construction method. The best way to shape that leading
> edge is with a balsa plane. I use the one from Master Airscrew.
> <SNIP>
> Once you have a balsa plane you won't know how you got along without it.
I second that! I just finished using my Master Airscrew razor plane to
shape the tops of the turtle deck and bevel the control surface LEs on my AK
Models .46 Sukhoi SU-26 kit. Used it for the wing LEs and for shaping the
verious filler blocks too. It is inexpensive, easy to use, effective,
accurate, and eliminates a lot of balsa dust in the shop.
When I heard it was handy to have a plane, I bought a miniature block plane.
It looked like a dwarf version of something you'd see in a woodworker's
shop. It cost much more than the little MA razor plane. It sucked. The
cheaper, simpler Master Airscrew plane was worlds better. Can't build
without it!
Good flying,
desmobob
zara - 10 Feb 2006 15:05 GMT
>> On the "Rookie" you must make a leading edge out of rectangle stock!
>> That's the only drawback on that kit.
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>
> Once you have a balsa plane you won't know how you got along without it.
The balsa plane works great - his question doesn't apply to leading edges.
David Bacque - 10 Feb 2006 19:03 GMT
>>> On the "Rookie" you must make a leading edge out of rectangle stock!
>>> That's the only drawback on that kit.
>>> mk
> The balsa plane works great - his question doesn't apply to leading edges.
Enh? Maybe the original question wasn't about leading edges but MK sure
was talking about shaping a leading edge.
Dave