toto Posted June 4, 2023 Share Posted June 4, 2023 Just as it says really, I am having to do a repair on my FMS Beaver which is a foamie. I need to fe-attach the elevator to the rear stabilisers. My question is .... what type of hinge should I be using. ..... nylon, hairy type, paper ..... etc etc. As far as adhesive goes, I was going to use gorilla glue which is good with foam ..... any suggestions. I'd like to get an order in asap to try and turn the repair around before next weekend. Many thanks Toto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Engine Doctor Posted June 4, 2023 Share Posted June 4, 2023 Hairy hinges use cyano to fix as it wicks in well.only use ordinary cyano if its elapor foam. If its polystyrene foam then "foam safe cyano " is a must. Robart pin hinges are good and my prefered hinges in all types of model and Gorilla glue works very well with them . Only use a tiny amount inserted into the pre made holes then push in the pin hinges set the gap and tape in place while glue sets. Any expanded foam , once set can be picked off easily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toto Posted June 4, 2023 Author Share Posted June 4, 2023 Hi Engine Doctor, I'm assuming pin hinges are these ones that low a bit like rawl plugs. Articulated pins with ridges every so far down. Cheers Toto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Billinge Posted June 4, 2023 Share Posted June 4, 2023 Test your CA glue on a part of the foam that wont matter and if it doesn't melt, then use the "hairy type" CA hinges. Those mylar type hinges are simple and easy for foamies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toto Posted June 4, 2023 Author Share Posted June 4, 2023 Thanks. Just awaiting delivery of the hinges now .... Toto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrumpyGnome Posted June 5, 2023 Share Posted June 5, 2023 Presumably, you ordered the pin hinges. If so, take your time to make sure they are all inserted in alignment to minimise any binding. Gorilla glue is good but it does expand more than you think, so be prepared to do some cosmetic work with a sharp knife - less so if you use the clear stuff! (Forgive me if you have used it before) Repairs are part of the game, especially when learning, so enjoy the process. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Bowers Posted June 5, 2023 Share Posted June 5, 2023 Ensuring the hinges are in the right plane (no pun intended) and oriented correctly is vital, as alluded above. Hinge slotting tools that include a fixture are available and whilst I imagine something knocked up / improvised could work, or possibly optimistic freehanding, I prefer a commercial offering - example linked. https://www.dubro.com/products/kwik-hinge-slotter The black thing in the bottom right corner is in the form of a parallelogram, where the two outer long edges engage with the control surface. The middle one has a slot through which the cutting tool is inserted. The 3 other loose black parts contain different sized slots or holes, to accommodate other cutters or drill bits. Plenty of stuff on youtube and most model shops will have some sort of offering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Engine Doctor Posted June 5, 2023 Share Posted June 5, 2023 14 hours ago, toto said: Hi Engine Doctor, I'm assuming pin hinges are these ones that low a bit like rawl plugs. Articulated pins with ridges every so far down. Cheers Toto Thats the ones. There are various qualities so check them out . Genuine Robart seem to be the best quality and consistent, just my opinion others may think differently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toto Posted June 5, 2023 Author Share Posted June 5, 2023 Hi Graham, Thanks for the link. I watched a quick utube video on installation. Looks quite straightforward. I have ordered the tool as I think this will come in handy not only on my foamie repair but the Dancing Wings balsa kits that will eventually be taken out of the stash for building. Engine Doctor, I did think about these pin type hinges but the section of the elevator ks a bit on the thin wide. ( I will post up a picture for you to see when I do the repair ). As it was so thin, I thought the thicker pin hinge might actually weaken the elevator surfaces at the hinge points if it was to take a hard knock. ......... by the way ....... I might be typically overly cautious with my thoughts here ..... but the flatter hinge type may not take as much of the thinner sections foam away ....... if that makes sense. I think these pin hinges will come into their own when you have a nice big thick section of balsa to drill them into ( rather than thin foam ). But ........ absolutely thanke for adding to the suggestions and options ..... never does any harm. Thanks to all. Toto 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Engine Doctor Posted June 6, 2023 Share Posted June 6, 2023 Hi Toto not problem , you have to use whatever is suitable for the task. The hinge slotting tool is a very good bit of kit . I still have a set for when pin hinges are not suitable. Horses for courses etc . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toto Posted June 6, 2023 Author Share Posted June 6, 2023 Thank you kind Sir. I like the idea of the pin hinges as they look more robust and substantial but you need the wing to have the meat to take them so to speak. I will probably be using them on other projects though. Again .... thanks. Toto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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