3D Viper-ST 100-120cc scratch build......it continues!

[Russ42]

Yep , I'm sure I want one of these bad boy's . And if you decide to sale the covering templets that would be a great thing cause I'm still trying to come up with a scheme for my Slick .Templets would come in handy right now . And Terry I have a new appreciation for you builds .You make it look so easy , great work man .

 

[BalsaDust]

Looks great Terry. I see your using the Tightbond CA. I used to use it but my local Lowes stopped carrying it and started carrying the gorilla glue brand CA. I havent seen any diffence in the two and I think they work great. My new 40 size profile I just finished framing up was glued comletely with that other than where epoxy was needed.

 

[crashflow]

You should do a video !!!

 

[Terryscustom]

I know there are a few guy's that want one of these so I'm focusing on getting them ready to be able to sell a few. Then I'll work on some covering templates. They take quite a bit of wood so they won't be exactly "cheap" but they will make things easy. I'll shop for some laser-able el'cheapo plywood when I get there. I'll probably do a couple of schemes, first one will be like my original orange and blue Vipers. Easy schemes for even the most novice builders.

As for the CA, I've been chatting with "Flyrcjoe" since we both like to experiment with new ideas. I build the 52% Edge last year, and also the big extra 260 "Elenore" the year before. He's been using it with success. You'll see in some pics later that I'm applying some glue, joining the parts and then chasing the joint with a very small bead of ca of which most of it soaks in. I'm also not using accelerator except in very select areas that are not structural like doublers.

You can get the titebond CA on Amazon and other places online. I understand that it is specially formulated for wood and is holding equally as well in my tests on this lite and birch ply. You just have to be careful and test fit EVERYTHING and make sure clamps are right there and ready.

 

[thelaw]

Looking great! Going to cut G10 tomorrow!

 

[Terryscustom]

Looking great! Going to cut G10 tomorrow!

Sweet dancing Chickens!!!

 

[Terryscustom]

OK, time for the engine box. Normally I recommend the same wood glue as used on the longerons and such. I've done some experimenting and medium CA also seems to work equally as well and in some tests even better. The trick though is to have everything test fit (which you should do anyway) and also have clamps in reach and a plan for where you are putting the clamps.

It may be helpful to slightly bevel the tabs on certain parts in order to allow them to fit better, just don't go too much.

What I'm doing is:
- Test fit parts
- Apply glue to mating surfaces
- install part & clamp immediately
- chase the joint with a very thin tip and a very small bead of CA and do not use accelerator

Another option to build strength in the joints is to apply some microballoons to the joint to build a fillet. Just sprinkle some on the wet glue and blow off the excess. Microballoons also acts as an accelerator.

With that, install the F-1 former onto the engine box sides. This joint will get a workout in the next few steps so glue it as normal but don't fret if it cracks or creaks in the next steps. We will reinforce this further later.

 

[Terryscustom]

Now install the lower part of F-3 which is basically there to keep things square. It is very important but can be a pain to install. Only glue in one side at this time and leave the clamps on for now.

 

[Terryscustom]

Next we'll install the floor that was assembled earlier. This part is very tricky to install and probably the hardest but also the most important part of the front fuselage to take care to pre-fit it.

Since I'm using CA this was especially important. I glued, clamped and chased each seam top and bottom with the CA and also applied microballoons. Finished assembly is very very solid!!

 

[Terryscustom]

Next install the upper part of the F-3 formers which is basically two small rectangles. Test fit as always and glue and clamp with joints nice and tight. If using CA form a fillet at the rear side of this with microballoons and glue. If using wood glue, install a small piece of 1/4" balsa tri-stock here.