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Author Topic: Medical tape as hinges  (Read 2620 times)

Offline Charles Meeks

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Medical tape as hinges
« on: August 30, 2017, 02:17:10 AM »
I am building a Sterling F-51 for my 19 year old son.  He loves to crash so a 20 point finish is NOT important.  I had read in the 1/2 A forum that someone used medical tape but glued down the non sticky side instead of whet I tried.   I used Johnson and Johnson 1" medical tape.  I had read about Mono coat hinges and tried the same with the medical tape.  I pulled off 2 strips about a foot long and laid one sticky side up, one sticky side down and overlapped them about a quarter of an inch.  I cut them into 1" strips and installed them.  The adhesive is good but I rubbed them down with Ambroid glue.  Looks nice.  Will have to see how they hold up.
Best Regards,
Charles Meeks
Charles Meeks
Abita Springs, LA
Baton Rouge Bi-Liners
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Offline James Holford

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Re: Medical tape as hinges
« Reply #1 on: August 30, 2017, 08:42:34 AM »
Just curious charles.. why not good old fashion cloth hinges?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

Jamie Holford
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Lafayette, La
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Offline Phil Krankowski

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Re: Medical tape as hinges
« Reply #2 on: August 30, 2017, 10:21:48 AM »
A large point of tape hinges is to avoid using glue. 

Tape hinges work well, although on most surfaces, with glow fuel, the life is limited.  Cleaning with rubbing alcohol and reapplying when necessary is the answer. 

On electric power tape hinges last a long time, years even.

Phil

Offline TDM

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Re: Medical tape as hinges
« Reply #3 on: August 30, 2017, 12:51:38 PM »
Regular crystal clear tape will do fine. DLG world is using it all the time.
Each goal you meet is a moment of happiness
Happiness is the harmony between what you think and what you do. Mahatma Gandhi

Offline Charles Meeks

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Re: Medical tape as hinges
« Reply #4 on: August 30, 2017, 01:57:15 PM »
The medical tape I am using is thin nylon with adhesive on one side.  I have a wife and 2 kids and a very demanding job.  I do my best to find the TIME and MONEY for my model plane addiction.  Very often the time and the money don't always align.  As was the case this week I wanted to continue working on a plane but did not have the great Tom Morris hinges so I experimented.  I have spent a total of about $30.00 on modeling this year and have only been flying 2 times.  As soon as I am able I am going to make an order with Brodak and Stunt Hanger.  I haven't paid dues to AMA or my local club because that money is feeding my family, buying shoes,etc.  I am not in dire circumstances but my family is my number one priority.  If I experiment and use a product I have around the house and I am able to get some flight time with my son before he decides he doesn't want to anymore I am just fine with that, even if it means that I didn't use NYLON TAFFETA.
Best Regards,
Charles Meeks
Abita Springs, LA
Baton Rouge Bi-Liners
AMA # 988201

Offline Mike Griffin

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Re: Medical tape as hinges
« Reply #5 on: August 30, 2017, 06:27:13 PM »
This may not be applicable to what you are talking about in this post Charles but the hinges that Tom Morris uses is the material that Aircraft Spruce sells to cover UltraLite aircraft.  Tom told me this a few years back.  You can buy it by the yard pretty cheap and a yard is a lifetime supply.  Just a tip for the future if you want.

Mike

Offline dave siegler

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Re: Medical tape as hinges
« Reply #6 on: August 31, 2017, 09:46:28 AM »
the RC foamy guys have been doing this for a while, it works good for them. 
Dave Siegler
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Offline Larry Renger

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Re: Medical tape as hinges
« Reply #7 on: September 15, 2017, 08:54:06 PM »
I am concerned that the adhesive on medical tape will first slip, due to soft adhesive and finally dry out and separate. It is awfully thick, especially when doubled for the adhesive switch over.

Look into a search on figure eight thread hinging. Cheap, easy, low bend resistance, and durable. My only choice for small models. I use Spectra thread because I have it for use as control lines, but dental floss or just any sewing thread will give you more strength than you will ever need.

I have also been using full span over/under hinges of polyspan to good effect. It disappears under most finish regimes and hasn't failed me yet. It has the advantage of completely sealing the hinge line aerodynamically.
Think S.M.A.L.L. y'all and, it's all good, CL, FF and RC!

DesignMan
 BTW, Dracula Sucks!  A closed mouth gathers no feet!

Offline Phil Krankowski

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Re: Medical tape as hinges
« Reply #8 on: September 16, 2017, 03:07:13 PM »
I am concerned that the adhesive on medical tape will first slip, due to soft adhesive and finally dry out and separate. It is awfully thick, especially when doubled for the adhesive switch over.

Look into a search on figure eight thread hinging. Cheap, easy, low bend resistance, and durable. My only choice for small models. I use Spectra thread because I have it for use as control lines, but dental floss or just any sewing thread will give you more strength than you will ever need.

I have also been using full span over/under hinges of polyspan to good effect. It disappears under most finish regimes and hasn't failed me yet. It has the advantage of completely sealing the hinge line aerodynamically.

Regular sewing thread will get you in the air for a weekend but it will wear out surprisingly fast compared to dental floss or spectra fishing line. Now it might just be the thread I had available then, but I had to redo the hinges after only a couple outings. 
Phil

Offline Dave Edwards

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Re: Medical tape as hinges
« Reply #9 on: September 16, 2017, 06:24:11 PM »
I have made cloth hinges with Coverite Fabric. Cut strips 1" or so wide, place two strips face to face with the adhesive on the inside, use a sewing machine and zip a seam down the middle.  Result is a fuel proof, sealed hinge material that can be applied with an iron. It can be covered in any conventional way or left as is.

Offline Dennis Saydak

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Re: Medical tape as hinges
« Reply #10 on: September 19, 2017, 10:22:36 AM »
Yesterday I applied cloth hinges to my Sterling YAK 9 project. I've always used Taffeta from the fabric store. I apply 2 coats of SIGMENT to the wood as a base first. Then I simply "paint" on the hinges using pure thinner. The thinner dries almost instantly and the thin cloth virtually disappears under a silkspan & dope finish. This works for me.

Just when you think you're getting ahead in the rat race.....you find the rats just get faster! MAAC 13120L

Offline Allan Perret

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Re: Medical tape as hinges
« Reply #11 on: September 20, 2017, 10:19:37 AM »
Yesterday I applied cloth hinges to my Sterling YAK 9 project. I've always used Taffeta from the fabric store. I apply 2 coats of SIGMENT to the wood as a base first. Then I simply "paint" on the hinges using pure thinner. The thinner dries almost instantly and the thin cloth virtually disappears under a silkspan & dope finish. This works for me.
What are you using as "thinner" in this case ?
Allan Perret
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Slidell, Louisiana

Offline Dennis Saydak

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Re: Medical tape as hinges
« Reply #12 on: September 20, 2017, 01:45:52 PM »
What are you using as "thinner" in this case ?

I used ordinary cheap lacquer thinner. After the hinges are stuck down I apply a smooth coat of Sigment to seal them well.
Just when you think you're getting ahead in the rat race.....you find the rats just get faster! MAAC 13120L


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