warped stabilizer

[DanielGelinas]

Hi guys,

Just began putting together an arc cardinal. Unfortunately, the stab has quit a warp (1/8 to 3/16th). 
What can I do to get it straight again? I was thinking of pilling some books on top for a couple of days? Maybe using amonia?
Do any of you have any tips on doing this or should i start with a new piece of wood?

Thanks!
-Dan

[Tim Wescott]

I'd chuck it and put in a new one.  You might be able to straighten it -- or you might just fool yourself into putting it on, then struggle with it for the life of the plane.

It's from Brodak?  Absolutely everything I've heard about there service indicates that you just need to give them a call, and they'll send you a new part.  If you don't want to do that, make another one, but don't put a known-crooked part on at this point in assembly!

[Randy Powell]

Listen to Tim. You might be able to use a razor blade and slice it diagonally, tweak it straight and use CA to zap it in place. I've done that a few time successfully, but usually with a stab already in a plane. Easier to just make a new part (or order one from Brodak).

[sleepy gomez]

If the stab has plastic covering prick it with a bunch of holes.  Then hold it over a pan of steaming water while holding the twist out.  When you are done reseal it.  This is an old free flight trick to steam warps in or out as needed.

[Chris Wilson]

Considering that this is a critical part of the model and a cheap one at that I would replace it without question.

Steaming and slitting wings is all good and well because the complexity of the structure and the work involved makes it difficult to replace but to me its always a fix that may come back to haunt you at a later date.

[jim ivey]

yeah, you could straighten it but it might come back after plane is finished   give it to someone you don't like     jim

[Howard Rush]

Pick some C grain wood for the new one.

[DanielGelinas]

Thanks Guys!
-d