OK, All my top ranked flying and building friends!

[Bill Little]

I couldn't decided where to put this so it is in the Open forum.  No offense to us mere mortals who enjoy the event!

What is the best tape to use for sealing hinge gaps?

What is the best technique for applying the tape?

I have taped many gaps but have never been really happy with it. (in fact my last plane had cloth hinges that ran the whole length of the parts)

Thanks!
Bill

[55chevr]

Bill - there is a lot threads on this subject.  Most recommend 3M Crystal Clear.  I have used 3M Book Binding tape ... the is a lot of info on Stuka Stunt Forum as well.

Joe

[Bill Little]

Hi Joe,

I didn't have much success with the search function.  Maybe I wasn't holding my mouth right??  Haven't been to SSW in a while, just lazy.............

Where do you get your 3M Crystal Clear?

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM

[James Mills]

Hi Joe,

I didn't have much success with the search function.  Maybe I wasn't holding my mouth right??  Haven't been to SSW in a while, just lazy.............

Where do you get your 3M Crystal Clear?

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM

I have used the 3M tape that has Cat 190 on the back of the package (usually pick it up at Ace or Lowe's).  Got this tip from Ted Winterman and haven't had any problem with it pulling paint when time to replace. 

James

[Bob Whitely]

The absolute best tape to use for sealing gaps is called Moore's
Crystal Clear. It's made in either Sweden or Switzerland can't remember
which. You can get it at any good art store or large drafting supply store.
Nothing else even comes close. RJ

[Randy Cuberly]

The absolute best tape to use for sealing gaps is called Moore's
Crystal Clear. It's made in either Sweden or Switzerland can't remember
which. You can get it at any good art store or large drafting supply store.
Nothing else even comes close. RJ

RJ is absolutely right...as usual of course.  Art store here in Tucson carries it...no where else that I could find.

Randy Cuberly

[55chevr]

http://www.clstunt.com/htdocs/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=103&topic_id=110451&mesg_id=110451&listing_type=search


I also used "Blenderm" ... a medical  product ... 1" wide

[Doug Moon]

none..

[Garf]

Blenderm is medical tape sold by DuBro labled "Dubro Electric Flyer Hinge Tape".

[Brett Buck]

I couldn't decided where to put this so it is in the Open forum.  No offense to us mere mortals who enjoy the event!

What is the best tape to use for sealing hinge gaps?

What is the best technique for applying the tape?

http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php?topic=11355.msg99465#msg99465

    By the way, this tape is a miraculous improvement on masking tape for joining balsa sheets edge-to-edge, too.

   Brett

[Paul Wescott]

Blenderm is medical tape sold by DuBro labled "Dubro Electric Flyer Hinge Tape".

Blenderm is available through RCGroups:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2146661

It is often used to hinge surfaces (not just full gaps) on foamies and small-medium electric planes.

Paul

[Steve Fitton]

http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php?topic=11355.msg99465#msg99465

    By the way, this tape is a miraculous improvement on masking tape for joining balsa sheets edge-to-edge, too.

   Brett

..you mean like making wing skins, etc? what makes it better?

[Derek Barry]

http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php?topic=11355.msg99465#msg99465

    By the way, this tape is a miraculous improvement on masking tape for joining balsa sheets edge-to-edge, too.

   Brett

I use scotch tape too and I never tape over hinges. (per Ted)

Derek

[Brett Buck]

..you mean like making wing skins, etc? what makes it better?

     It flattens out much better when you make the hinge between the two sheets, and it doesn't permit any glue to bleed underneath.

    Brett

[Tim Wescott]

http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php?topic=11355.msg99465#msg99465

    By the way, this tape is a miraculous improvement on masking tape for joining balsa sheets edge-to-edge, too.

   Brett

Ooh!  I'll try that next time.  I'm always disappointed by how well my sheets go together.  I think I'm too dang picky.

[Randy Cuberly]

Ooh!  I'll try that next time.  I'm always disappointed by how well my sheets go together.  I think I'm too dang picky.

Maybe you just need to sand the edges a little straighter....

Randy Cuberly

[Ted Fancher]

none..

Doug,

While (as you know) I'm a great admirer of your skills, I'm compelled to ask...

Assuming wing loading is an important factor to fly stunt well; when properly applied, what possible harm could sealing a gap in a lifting surface cause?  (assuming, of course, you're not using slotted flaps).  I, at least theoretically, believe that the smallest wing that can provide the necessary lift to support the stunter's mass in the hardest corners should be an advantage over a larger, less efficient surface.  Why would it not be advantageous to minimize the loss of lift that results from allowing gaps to reduce the difference in pressure between the high and low pressure surfaces of a wing/tail?

Ted

[Brett Buck]

Maybe you just need to sand the edges a little straighter...

  Sand, that's a good one!  Of course you just cut them, one swipe and they are done.

  Brett

[john e. holliday]

Good article on sealing hinge lines in that last issue of Control Line World.   In fact a lot of good articles in the last issues.   John says if subscriptions don't increase, Control Line World may be no more.  Yes it is like this site, it  covers more than just stunt planes.   

[Brett Buck]

Good article on sealing hinge lines in that last issue of Control Line World. 

  Or, for free:

http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php?topic=11355.msg99465#msg99465

   Brett

[john e. holliday]

This is not exactly free,  ask Robert.   Of course I guess it is free to those that don't donate to it.