IMAC Scratch build Laser 200

[Forgues-Research]

while waiting for more balsa , I have started on the second wing, cutting the 1/2 inch foam and gluing these on the first board, once this is done then glue to top board to make sandwich. , more to come

 

[Forgues-Research]

ready to be hotwired

 

[AKNick]

ready to be hotwired

I cant remember if you've talked about your hot wire setup or not? I have a 3.5ft hot wire I acquired from a friend that passed away and all it has is two alligator clips and a ground. No idea what power source to use. I've been following your build here and I don't recall you talking abut the hot wire setup you use for this. Thanks!

 

[TonyHallo]

I use a low voltage lighting transformer for my bow now, 14 VAC, in the past I used my car battery. Both work fine.

 

[AKNick]

I use a low voltage lighting transformer for my bow now, 14 VAC, in the past I used my car battery. Both work fine.

Thanks! Interesting. I see there are quite a few options. 12-15V with wattage being the largest difference. What should I be looking for in Wattage. Seems like 300w is commonly used for lights, but they go from about 10-900w from what I can find.
Also, what size NiChrome or equivalent wire size to you use for the pink foam?

 

[TonyHallo]

My 56" bow runs at 7 amps. I use .025" carbon steel mig wire, never tried nichrome but would like to some day. I cut white 1# and pink, green blue 2# foam the same wire and power supply. If i use a shorter bow I add additional mig wire to the circuit to make up for lower resistance. All of my foam cutting and vacuum bagging is home brewed and cheap.

 

[Forgues-Research]

I cant remember if you've talked about your hot wire setup or not? I have a 3.5ft hot wire I acquired from a friend that passed away and all it has is two alligator clips and a ground. No idea what power source to use. I've been following your build here and I don't recall you talking abut the hot wire setup you use for this. Thanks!
View attachment 112143

This is my setup and it works well for me, but this is not saying its the only one, you might use this as a basic guide line

 

[Forgues-Research]

while the bottom spar is glued in place , and the glue setting, I also cut and installed the servo platform, more to come

 

[Forgues-Research]

Thanks! Interesting. I see there are quite a few options. 12-15V with wattage being the largest difference. What should I be looking for in Wattage. Seems like 300w is commonly used for lights, but they go from about 10-900w from what I can find.
Also, what size NiChrome or equivalent wire size to you use for the pink foam?

check the video I just posted I use a 10 amp variac, I know not cheap but I have been using this one for more then 30 years whithout as much as a hiccup, but again , this is one of many ways of doing it

 

[Forgues-Research]

while things are setting on the wing and waiting for some balsa , I started to look at the canopy from my old Laser and it fits well sort of, but it will work, also the cowling , will need a few notches here and there and it should work, but remember this is not a scale job, it is an aerobatic airplane for my pleasture and when I cover it, you will be scandalized LOL