Even after fitting the fins to the body tube and plastic adapter, there was still a small gap.I've been using Titebond Molding and Trim Glue for fillets lately. It'll be interesting to see if this thicker glue fills the gap at the fin joint below the main body tube.
In the picture to the right, the fin at the bottom has a single fillet applied.The Striker has four small forward fins, directly in line with the lower, larger fins.
TIP: I've clamped some longer tongue depressors (or Popsicle sticks) to the lower fins with clothespins.
Forward fins will slide right between the sticks giving perfect alignment with the lower main fins.
Above the forward fins is a wrap of paper. The root tip of the forward fin just touches the straight edge of the paper wrap. By using this wrap, all forward fin edges will be glued at the same height around the tube.
I am curious what glue you used for the balsa fins to the plastic adapter. I would not expect elmers white glue to hold. I would have tried thick CA for the balsa to plastic.
ReplyDeleteHi Eero,
DeleteThe combination of glues (white on the tube and medium CA on the plastic adapter) didn't help much. The rear of the the fins crack off the plastic tail cone on landing.
I ended up using some epoxy fillets on the rear end of the fins and touching up the paint after drying.