I heard from MA Editor-in-Chief Jay Smith regarding some feedback he had received since redesigning this magazine. He explained that MA readers had been randomly polled each month to get their opinions on the magazine. Surprising both Jay and me, an overwhelming response was that many readers wanted more building-related content. In fact, the October 2013 build-themed issue was frequently cited as the most popular in recent memory.
As our discussion continued, Jay offered me an opportunity to write a series of articles introducing basic building techniques. The target audience would be those readers contemplating their first balsa build, but we plan to provide enough content to make it interesting for more experienced builders, too.
This was music to my ears because I am a better builder than a flier. That’s not to say that I have a Scale Masters trophy on my mantle—I don’t. But I’ve built a respectable number of Guillow’s kits throughout the years, and some of my own designs.
Along the way, I have learned two things. The first is that when it comes to building, there is always more than one way to get the job done. With that in mind, I’ll offer a range of ideas on the topics I take on but there will always be room for other solutions. I will also avoid rehashing subjects that were recently covered in MA by referring readers to past articles, now that the magazine is easily searchable online.
The second thing that I’ve learned is that like many builders, I am cheap. I get a thrill out of figuring out how to make do with tools at hand or household products from my local hardware store. After all, that’s part of the fun of building from scratch!
So with these two points in mind, let’s start by filling a basic toolbox that we will use to make our first balsa build a reality.
Selecting a Building Board
Most wood-framed models are built by pinning parts to a flat board. In some cases, a fuselage is built on an upright jig, but even then the wing and tail are often built on a board. In a sense, the building board is the foundation of the workshop. As such, it should be large enough to fit the types of models that you intend to build on its surface.
It’s almost impossible to build a warp-free structure on a warped board, so flatness is a must. The surface of a good board should be soft enough to allow you to stick pins into it to hold parts down. If you don’t have a dedicated work area, it may also be good for it to be easily transportable.
Building boards made from softwood or balsa can be purchased from Great Planes and other vendors, but to get started, many builders begin with an acoustic ceiling tile from a hardware store. These are inexpensive, flat, and commonly found in lengths of up to 48 inches. The size can easily be adjusted by joining or trimming the tiles.
In my case, I picked up a flat particle board shelf from the lumberyard and covered it with a sheet of 1/4-inch-thick cork using 3M spray adhesive. A quick pass with a sanding bar between projects has kept it going strong for many years.
A more advanced strategy is to use a magnetic building board. A common construction technique is to cover a workbench or wooden board with a steel panel. This enables strong magnets to square up and hold down parts instead of pins. A thorough explanation was provided by Mark Freeland in the “Top Five Building Tips” article in the October 2014 issue of MA. These systems cost slightly more to set up, but the ability to create fixtures and jigs is a significant advantage.
After you have selected your board, it is time to mount the plans. It may be necessary to fold them to fit onto the board. Tape the plans down with low-tack tape and then cover it with waxed or parchment paper to keep it clean. The waxed paper also allows parts to easily be removed after gluing.
This is a good time for reflection. I like to pause over the clean plans to think through my goals for the project and to plan its path.
Tools of the Trade
Parts are typically held in position with pins while the glue cures. T-pins are often used because they are easy to handle. Tower Hobbies offers barrel-headed pushpins that are thinner than T-pins. My preference is dressmaker sewing pins because of their availability and fine wire size. I go through several pins because I discard them after they are contaminated by glue.
Clamps are used for joining assemblies such as wing panels. Light structures require light clamping forces, and cheap clamps are perfect for this application. Clothespins work well, particularly if they are modified as shown. Small, plastic spring clamps are also handy.
In my shop there are three cutting tools that I can’t do without: a #11 X-Acto blade, a box of single-edge razor blades, and a razor saw. Like the pins, the X-Acto knife blades and razor blades are frequently replaced. A simple balsa stripper is also worth the minimal investment.
Sanding is as important as cutting. I use 60-grit sandpaper for rough shaping and sizing, 150-grit for fitting parts, and 220-grit for finish sanding structures and sheeting. Sanding bars are used for finish sanding and to keep parts square.
A small square ensures that wing ribs and fuselage formers are properly positioned. I use several steel machinist’s blocks as squares or to weigh down parts. In the odds-and-ends category, a pin vise and an assortment of small bits and a collection of small, shaped files are invaluable.
Adhesives deserve an article of their own, and fortunately, Terry Dunn wrote an excellent piece on the subject, which can be found in the October 2013 issue of MA.
Wrapping It Up
If I were to find myself marooned on a balsa tree-studded island, I would consider myself well prepared to pass the time with this toolbox. Of course, builders accumulate many more tools as they go along, but this will give a new builder a solid start. This information has been condensed into a table for your convenience.
Until next time![dingbat]
—Paul Kohlmann
ptkohlmann@aol.com
SOURCES:
Tower Hobbies
(800) 637-6050
www.towerhobbies.com
Great Planes
(800) 637-7660
www.greatplanes.com
