help please

[john_wesley]

I am about to build my first scratch built....I'm not sure I am doing this right....can anyone tell me how you trace the plane patern pieces on to the wood to cut out

[whitecrest]

If possible, photocopy the parts you are trying to transfer 1:1. This will preserve the originals for future use. Using the photocopies, you can poke some pinholes through them at strategic places onto balsa or foam sheet to provide your cutting reference points. Curved lines will need more to give an accurate reference. I have read that it is also possible to transfer a Xerox line onto balsa using a hot iron, although I have never tried this. If you will be making many copies of a part, it might be worthwhile to make a template from plywood or hard plastic and use that for the subsequent copies.

I would also recommend becoming familiar with a CAD program such as TurboCad which is available free for downloading. It can handle many standard drawing formats such as DXF and DWG. Many model plans use these standard formats. Once the plan is loaded, you can generate an endless supply of drawings you can use to fabricate your parts. It is also pretty easy to generate your own designs. You can start with simple ones at first.

Once you get your "production line" set up to your satisfaction, you will be able to make your models very inexpensively. It's a great thrill to fly a model you have fabricated from scratch. Don't be afraid to experiment and don't try to do too much at one time. Good luck with your projects.

[john_wesley]

thanks for the response....I am so looking forward to this...I bought these plans 18 years ago....had som bad luck so been away fron this for about 12 years...I really look forward to showing up at the field with a non-kit plane...john

[Murocflyer]

John,

How are you planes coming along? Do you have any photos to share?

Thanks,

Frank