IMAC Dalton Yak 54, 38% please submit suggestions here....

[orthobird]

the hinge lines have been drawn..
before beveling, need to 1st glue in the hard points, then mark the hinge point locations, then drill out the holes for the hinges, then the beveling-sanding can begin. Be sure to wear a respirator/face mask, that balsa dust is nasty!!

 

[orthobird]

here is how I make the hard points....

sort of like a sandwich. there is 1/16th plywood, then there are 3/4" wide balsa stock, the central one is 1/4" thick, the outer sides are 1/2" thick. I use the horn as a gauge, then glue in using CA glue.

I will be making more than plenty, better to have left over than not enough... this is now glued on one laminate side only. still not ready to glue on other side.

Now, the exposed side is sanded smooth, now it is ready to glue on the last laminate.

just checking again that the thickness is appropriate...

here is the final product, still needs some final sanding. I will do this when i get home from work today. Then I will cut these and glue them in.

I do not know if you can picture this, but this is how the horn fits in. This will get glued into the foam and the LE of the elevator/aileron. IT will have a larger surface area to glue to balsa LE compared to foam with a round hard point.

 

[orthobird]

Hard points glued into elevators and ailerons....

 

[orthobird]

The fin is now glued in. I used the laser light from Bosch, to assure it was square.

 

[orthobird]

The hard points are glued in the elevators as well.

 

[orthobird]

i am now working on the rudder. I will be using an SWB rudder horn, 4" wide.

 

[capthis]

Well ain't you smart! I like the laser idea!

You're really doing a nice job, and are certainly getting it done quickly too!

 

[orthobird]

Getting ready to finish off the rudder. The SWB control horn will be glued on next, then to cap the top and bottom, glue in hard point for steering, tiller arm set up. Then glue in the LE of the rudder, then drill holes for the hinge points, and final is beveling.

 

[orthobird]

the Fin is on true and solid! I decided to proceed and glue on the fairings. I used 3/32 thick balsa. Just a bit thicker than recommended, in that, this is an area that potentially can get grabbed, and would hate to hear that sound!! You know the one! With this thickness, it is solid, now, waiting for it all to dry, then i can sand it smooth. The wood filler is in as well!

 

[orthobird]

Almost done with the rudder.... just need to cut the bottom rear corner and make it round, then glue on the bottom cap and hard point!! WHEW!! lots of sanding.