Cloth Hinges on OTS Model

What is the best substance used to adhere cloth hinges to Stab/Elevator.

William Davis

I use and like Ambroid glue , for hinge material find a kite maker
and buy some ripstop nylon, very lite, lasts a loong time.

Walter:)

It's been many years since I used linen hinges, but when I used Ambroid, I regretted it, because the dope and Ambroid didn't get along well. I can't tell you whether it was Testors or Aero Gloss, however. Don't see any reason why you couldn't use Brodak clear right out of the can, if you were wanting to use Brodak dope over, or for that matter about any kind of glue, but I would sure test it with the appointed finishing system before committing to it. Another product that works is Balsarite, which lets you iron on linen, tho a synthetic might melt or lose strength from the heat. Steve

Thanks for reply,
I have used both Ambroid glue and Brodak Dope. The Brodak dope appeard to be working best.All of the cloth hinges I have used in the past were for sport planes. I did not wory about the final finish .
This is a new OTS model with period finish , I wanted the hinges to be slightly visible. brodak dope over silk ..

Thanks for help
William Davis

On the last five planes I have built I have used Dacron hinges, from Tom Morris, for the full length of the stab or TE of the wing and use Ambroid. The tastiest glue ever made. Rub it in and it will barley show under the silk or silkspan and Brodaks dope. Looks natural on OTS and most classics. By applying the hinges next to each other the full length of the stab and wing I seal the hinge line. Beats tacky tape later. Be sure to move the flap and or elevator as you do apply the hinges (after each dries) so you don't accidently put in a bind.

Make that barely. Barley is for making beer.

I use Perfect cloth hinges, but the other materials mentioned here are perhaps more suitable for a modern model. I do, however, recommed Ambroid because of it's ease of application, ease of sanding and it's ease of removal (wipe with acetone) if you make a mistake. Here is a link to the page on my site discussing cloth hinges:

http://www.classicaircraftmodels.com/ClothHinges.html

Bill Groman

Hi William,
I've mentioned the article on cloth hinges written by Tom Dixon before. I will email you that excellemt article. I use taffeta cloth and Testors "green" glue for applying my cloth hinges and I also seal the entire hinge line. Here's a picture of my Dick Saprolis - 1/2A Nobler Stab.

Eggy

For those using Ambroid or other cements, remember that most of the first coat often penetrates the wood and leaves little solids to hold the hinges. If you "double cement" it will make a MUCH better bond.
Ambroid forever!

LAST EDITED ON Feb-17-03 AT 11:07 AM (CDT)
 
I use Sig Koverall. First a cote of thin clear to stop the Koverall from fraying when I cut it into hinges. Then some clear to seal the area of wood that the hinges will attach. Then 2 coats of thinned Pliobond contact cement, thinned to water consistency. When dry I iron on the hinges. Then more clear dope over everything, some filler to disguise the hinges, then the rest of the finish.
I like them. In three years I've seen no evidence of any problems, but not front row either.

Sig or Ambroid cement. Find yourself a Bondo spreader from Wal Mart or whereever, and cut yourself some smaller ones, about an inch wide.

Work the cement in with it.

Currell

I have been using the hinge materal that Tom Morris sells and as for installing them I dope the surfaces with 2-3 coats then sand and dope the hinges in place butted up next to each other for a sealed hinge line also..

Gil

Goldberg used to market a Nylon tape in approx.1" width. Cut this material into 1.5 inch lengths and fold in half and pinch in a spring type cloths pin. I make up a batch of these from time to time and use them when hinging things. The double or pre glueing with Ambroid method has worked for me for over 50 years!
The nylon stuff just flat doesn't wear out! Period! Phil Spillman

Will,

Sigment Glue works fine too, and there are no color issues when you use Sigment. It is chemically similar to nitrate dope, which is what Tom Morris uses on all his cloth hinges.