Sanding Leading Edges

[seneca_tim]

I am a new model builder and I am curious what the best method is for sanding the leading edges into realistic shapes.

[guest]

Don't bother - just go to a hobby shop and buy pre-shaped balsa leading edges to replace the square sticks supplied with the kits. Much easier than trying to sand square sticks into a leading edge shape.

[Fred]

??? I think sanding leading edges is one of those things that sounds much harder than it is !!

I say start with a very sharp hobby knife or razor blade and slice/carve some thin strips off a bit at a time until you get the BASIC shape your going after ..... then switch to sandpaper and finish it off.

Fred

[Dick]

For larger models I've found that a finer cut wood rasp does a good job, followed by sanding. And - use a sanding block.

I think the reply by GUEST to go out and buy pre-shaped leading edges is kind of silly. The objective of a kit is to start with a bunch of pieces of wood and turn it into a finished product using your skills to build it piece by piece. Of course it takes time, but isn't that what a "hobby" is all about - doing something or building something just for the enjoyment of it, even though there may be "faster" ways.

Dick

[Madman Stephan]

Hi,

I've been removing the bigger chunks of unwanted balsa with a sharp blade knife, then (here's my secret) attach a sanding drum to my drill press and firmly hold the wing while slowly sanding it down. I guess you could also use a Dremel-type tool.

Stephan

[yobdab]

dremel tool

[Dick]

Trouble with any power tool is that a small slip could mean a big mistake.

Dick

[EddieB]

Trouble with any power tool is that a small slip could mean a big mistake.Dick

Heh, dremel tool + sanding drum + mistake == hot knife through melted butter. Been there, done that, will not do it again.
EB

[Guest]

I used my wifes emery board (that nail file thing) and she brought me several of different grits that worked very well for shaping.

[Bulldog]

I've personally found that the miniature X-acto "spokeshave" is the right
tool for the initial shaping, as it's easy to control, doesn't gouge etc. Then
I finish up with sanding blocks, emery boards, etc.

[Xanadu]

Trim down to a baisc shape with a blade, then do the final sanding with sandpaper folded over onto a old paint stir stick. They are about 1-1/2" wide, 1/4" thick, just cut to length you feel comfortable with, and they work great.
Use a 120 grit to sand it down fast, then go to a 200 - 300 for final sanding to smooth things off.
Sand paper is cheap, and will last a long time sanding balsa.

[Xanadu]

You can also buy a "razor plane" to shape with. Its a small plane, that uses a razor style blade. Simple enough and it works great. Only about $6.50 US, made by Master Airscrew.


http://www.hobbylinc.com/cgi-bin/s7.cgi ... or%20plane

or

http://www.masterairscrew.com/

[cdwheatley]

I use these that I discovered recently on eBay:- http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0046480522

Works a treat!

[Brian_Va]

It depends on the leading edge. Guillow's isn't exactly notorious for even using them at all, instead relying on flat bottom airfoils. Then theres rib profile type (hate to get all scientific), the leading edge has to be perfectly matched to the rib profile. You can cut a profile negative from a cereal box to check the contour. If you want to know just how vast airfoils really are go here http://www.nasg.com/afdb/list-airfoil-e.phtml

How you grind it down is a matter of what you are comfortable with.

[Hibbies]

I use a sanding block with 100 grit to start and get the shape. Then go to finer grit. Why go to a Hobby Shop? That's what buying a kit is all about. Plus, don't let your ego control the building. Ask questions.