Foam Techniques: Part 2
IN LAST MONTH'S installment, we covered foam as a material, types of foam, chemical characteristics, compatible solvents and glues, etc. This month we will cover the construction and safe use of cutting bows, power supply, and the techniques of cutting various types of wing cores. Next month's installment concerns covering and skinning and use of compatible adhesives, and finishing. Cutting Foam You can easily equip yourself and master the techniques for cutting your own foam cores. The following equipment is required. Cutting Bow: If, like most modelers, you are handy with tools you can easily construct your own bow. The required materials and approximate costs are as follows:
Foam Techniques: Part 3
FAST CONSTRUCTION is one of the best reasons for using Polystyrene foam-core wings. Once the techniques of cutting cores (described in Parts I and II) are learned, the equally simple foam covering techniques can be acquired almost before you can sort out all the parts for a built-up wing. These techniques will be made clear as you read on, and background given to enable you to get the maximum advantages from foam while avoiding pitfalls. Properties of Foam and Reasons for Covering Mechanical Damage Denting: Foam is relatively soft. It can be permanently deformed easily by harder materials. This same characteristic allows it to absorb shock better than a hard brittle material. By covering foam with a firmer material, the force is spread over a larger area and the shock is absorbed by the foam. This protects the foam from denting and the firmer covering material from breaking.
