Improvised Stand

[Brian Massey]

I got a screwy idea to hold my new plane solidly and try to get the stab and rudder on straight. It seems to work pretty well, and was quick and easy to set up and take down.

As you can see in the pics, it's just two screw clamps and a level. I leveled the fuse fore and aft before clamping (gently), then leveled and blocked the stab. When the glue was set, I did the same with the rudder.

I know many others have ideas to do something that could help us all, anyone want to share? I know I'm always eager to steal a good idea.

Brian

[W.D. Roland]

That Brian is a neat idea!

possibly add a triangle shaped piece of ply or other to the stationary part of clamp to keep level side to side?
Might help with wing alignment and be more stable.


Oh
Idea stolen

David

[Steve Helmick]

Larry Renger used the same sort of level thang stuck to a stick (fake prop) to adjust his engine thrustline for up/down thrust. I thought that was a good idea. A few days later, I was in my nearby machine shop supply store (Swift Tool) and noticed they had an otherwise identical level gizmo with the Starrett brand on it. I think it was $13, but you should be able to buy them for 99 cents at the "Stupid Prices" store or Dollah Store. Probably all from the same factory in PRC.    Steve

[john e. holliday]

Clamp the profile fuselage in a WorkMate.  Use 90 degree triangle to see if verticle with surface.  Set stab/elevator in place and block accordingly.  Works for getting wings level to fuse also. 

[Bill Little]

Great ideas!  Alignment is critical to a good flying model.

Big Bear

[Brian Massey]

Clamp the profile fuselage in a WorkMate.  Use 90 degree triangle to see if verticle with surface.  Set stab/elevator in place and block accordingly.  Works for getting wings level to fuse also. 

Well Duh! I have a workmate and never thought of that. I did use a 90 degree triangle to help set the wing.

Brian

[Damian_Sheehy]

You don't even need a workmate.
"Oh sweetheart, I'll help you clear the table after dinner this evening . . ."
Use a straight edge to make sure the two leaves are flat and if not place a shim under one to adjust.
Works like a charm, . . . . .