stunthanger.com

Building Tips and technical articles. => Building techniques => Topic started by: Dick Pacini on March 24, 2014, 02:31:33 PM

Title: Covering Iron Sock
Post by: Dick Pacini on March 24, 2014, 02:31:33 PM
Well, I covered the stab and flippers of my Coyote using a covering iron and iron sock on the Ultracote.  By the time I was finished, the sock had a hole burned right through the middle and residue was stuck right to the sole plate.

I am new at this plastic covering technique.  They say Ultracote should be applied @ 220° and tightened @ 240°.  Unfortunately, my iron isn't calibrated in degrees.  It seems that DEFCON 1 was too high. HB~>

I ordered 6 new socks from Tower Hobbies.  Another delay.  This airplane will have dry rot before it ever gets airborne. :(
Title: Re: Covering Iron Sock
Post by: Rick_Huff on March 24, 2014, 02:57:09 PM
A piece of a T-shirt and some spring-type paper clips works fine (in a pinch).
Rick
Title: Re: Covering Iron Sock
Post by: Balsa Butcher on March 24, 2014, 03:18:45 PM
Add the Hanger 9 iron to the order. It is calibrated in degrees and makes applying ultracote a snap instead of a chore. Also shaped better IMO than the old monokote iron. Money well spent if you use ultracote. 8)
Title: Re: Covering Iron Sock
Post by: Mark Scarborough on March 24, 2014, 03:37:18 PM
they also make a thermometer for measuring the face temp of the iron,, I dont trust the temp markings they put on, they can be off by a bunch,,

I have used this, and made calibration marks on the dial of my iron,,

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXB352&P=M

check it periodically though as the irons can have mood swings,, I mean variences over time,,
Title: Re: Covering Iron Sock
Post by: RknRusty on March 24, 2014, 08:19:30 PM
The knob on my iron isn't indexed but I've learned about where to set it. I used a sock on my Ultracote the first time I used shrinkwrap, and then a gun to tighten it. But after switching to Monokote, I don't use a sock or a gun anymore. I just use the bare iron to shrink the wings one bay at a time starting at the root. #1 top, #1 bottom, then #2 top, #2 bottom, etc. I think it's less likely to over shrink and twist the wing that way. But I get a sore elbow the next day too. Monokote's temperature for adhesion and shrinking overlaps, where Ultracote has a wide gap between the two temps.
Rusty
Title: Re: Covering Iron Sock
Post by: john e. holliday on March 25, 2014, 09:19:02 AM
As stated, old T-shirts that are worn out or even your old socks that need darning work for material to make socks for your iron.  I have also learned that the iron heat needs to be set little higher.
Title: Re: Covering Iron Sock
Post by: Mike Griffin on April 10, 2014, 10:18:36 PM
A couple of years ago  I went to Wal-Mart and bought a bag of baby socks to use on my iron.  They work great and I still have a good supply....

Mike
Title: Re: Covering Iron Sock
Post by: Bob Hudak on April 11, 2014, 06:47:56 AM
Baby socks! Great idea, time to raid the Grandbabies dresser.
Title: Re: Covering Iron Sock
Post by: john e. holliday on April 11, 2014, 08:59:19 AM
Never thought of baby socks.   The old DOC thanks you. H^^
Title: Re: Covering Iron Sock
Post by: Douglas Ames on April 12, 2014, 09:11:50 PM
 Never had much luck with socks on a Monocote iron. They're always too thick.
Seems like you have to crank up the dial to get the same heat tranfer as without it.
You do have to be more careful ironing without a sock.

 I really wish someone would make a nice "Iron" shape with a fat radius on the surface at the point end.
When you get to an edge or corner your only using a small portion of the iron surface anyway.