cloth hinges

[Joe Hunt]

new to this, using the forum that is. building a super clown and want to use cloth hinges. the wings and surfaces will be covered in silk. is it better to apply the hinges before or after silking?   thanks

[Dave_Trible]

Hi Joe.  I always applied hinges first-then covered. I'd guess most did.  Try to let a minimum amount of dope or covering get into the hinge line-makes for really stiff controls.

Dave

[Joe Hunt]

 thanks, joe

[Mike Griffin]

What Ty said.  I apply hinges first.  Love Dacron hinges.

Mike

[944_Jim]

Bear in mind I build small (1/2/A). Been sewing mine since I can't.seem to find any more Perfect or Goldberg small cloth hinge material. Where are you guys finding yours? I'm about to hit Walmart for light weight, narrow binding tape-like for old baby blankets.

[Scott Richlen]

Doesn't Morris sell the stuff?

Also, I believe there was a building hint about rubbing talcum powder into the center part of the hinge to keep paint out and to keep it flexible.

[Joe Hunt]

i'm using the light 2" polyester rib stitching tape used to cover wing rib stitches on full size airplanes. the edges are pinked so I take the wife's pinking shears and cut cross grain the width I need. I use non tauting nitrate dope to attach. joe

[Mike Griffin]

You can buy the Dacron from Aircraft Spruce.  A square yard will last for years.

Mike

[Jim Hoffman]

I use polyester taffeta when the need arises.  Available from your local fabric store

[EddyR]

 I use one pin style hinge next to the flap horn then do the rest with cloth.
This takes a lot of stress off cloth hinges
Ed