Scratch builders Template ??????

[Grizzly Greg]

Hi guys, got a set of plans,got some materials...what method do you use to make templates? I've tried carbon paper,but thats very tedious and not too accurate. Don't have a scanner,could use a copier machine i guess,but theres none around here at night.Any and all ideas welcome! :confused:
Thanks,Grizz.

[pease1]

I just use a second copy of the plans. Go to Kinkos (open all night) and get a large photocopy of your plans and cut that up making your parts.

For wing ribs, I use a piece of 1/4" basswood, pin the rib material to it with the template on top and use the bench sander to shape. The basswood has a little 'body' to it to keep the sander from cutting too fast.

Al

[GHMBO]

For one of a kind parts, I gluestick the pattern to the balsa and scrollsaw them. The advantage of the dxf files is you can print the section of the plans needed for patterns as well as the construction section (wing, fuse, ect)

[Chris]

If you can get the plan printed on a laser printer (by scanning and then reprinting) you can place the plan, ink side down, on your wood and iron the back. This will re-melt the toner which will then be absorbed by the wood. It works amazingly well.

[Grizzly Greg]

Thanks for the ideas guys,I'm building a tapered wing,out of "meat tray foam"so made enough copies for each rib,the plan has them superimposed over each other...cost $.90... foam was free, :D ..I'm cutting the rib patterns out and glueing them to the foam.Still have to decide in spar material..this is so much fun!
Grizz.

[esox]

Grizz,
I would like to know how this comes out. I have stacks of meat tray foam that I've been saving because "there just has to be a good use for this stuff, and it's free!" :)

What kind of glue are you using?

Jack

[Blackhawk]

Make copies of your plans on a standard copier, then place the plan on balsa with print down (usually I cut out the part from the plan) and brush laquer thinner on the plan and rub your finger over it. It will transfer the outline of the part to the balsa quite well.

Pat Daily

[Grizzly Greg]

Jack, I have no idea how it'll come out yet..this is my first scratch built plane and of course its any easy one...a Wildcat :rolleyes: But I figured what the heck,might as well try it.I have done some glue tests..thats the first thing I tried,wanted to make sure it would hold together..didn't try epoxy,because its heavy,so far all the common (read cheap) glues failed except one..its called "Plactic Surgery",found it at Eckerd's drug while waiting on a prescription, its Cya type glue and is stronger than the foam,I couldn't separate it after gluing it together,the foam rips apart instead of the joint.I'm keeping a log,so I'll be able to duplicate the results,cost as well..so far, $2.47 for the glue,$.90 for the copies and $8.00 for the plans..I intend to use the "meat tray foam for the ribs and fuse formers,still working the rest out...let me know if you have any ideas.
Grizz.