Hinges Made Easy
This is a perfect time to talk about hinges. The type of hinges you choose really depends on the type for finish you are going to apply to your model. For Example, traditional finishes (silkspan, silk, polyspan) you can choose any type of hinge with great results. My Opinion: Nylon hinges are still the best because they last forever and very smooth and free from binding. Go to the nearest fabric store and purchase a yard of nylon Taffida (this will last for years). After the stab & Elevators have at least 3 coats of clear dope and sanded smooth. Attach the nylon hinges using only clear dope. Using two pieces of nylon per hinge, attach to the leading edge of the elevators alternating top to bottom and then reversing the order. I’ve used this same method to attach flaps and elevators using full length hinges from root to tip. This will make a fully sealed hinge line for the flying surface’s. Once the elevators are attached to the stabilizer, cover the stab & elevators with silkspan and or silk and add three coats of dope. The nylon hinges are light, you save at least 2-1/2 to three ounces over a full complement of pined hinges installed with epoxy. Nylon hinges are strong, and silk smooth and you don’t have to seal them with tape.
For iron-on film use molded pined hinges such as Sig XX hinges, DuBro, IM,, or Kleet and follow the steps below.
First make hinge notching tool from hard balsa or ply wood. Measure the barrel of your hing you intend to use. The ones I used were DuBro that measured 3/32” and 5/8” wide. Glue the 3/32” X 5/8” wood to a piece of 1/8” X 1” X 1-1/2” balsa, glue 220 grit sandpaper to the 3/32” notching tool.