paper or plastic

[grezs]

My first post and my first balsa build since 1965 or so. I'm going to enhance my retirement by starting on a couple 500 series builds. My question is, for any who have used both, what are the advantages and disadvantages of waxed paper vs. plastic wrap for covering the plans.

Thanks

Gary

[H65 Driver]

Welcome back to building, Gary.

I would guess that most builders on this forum use wax paper (I know it's been my choice), but it tends to be a personal preference sort of thing, without a lot of distinct differences either way. I was just reading Don Ross' second book - Flying Models: Tips & Techniques for Beginner & Expert, and he apparently recommends plastic wrap because wax paper can supposedly "get into glue joints and soften them." This was the first I'd ever heard of such a problem.

If you're just getting back into building and are looking for a plethora of great tips, I'd recommend Phugoid's forum topic called Cessna 180 Group Build, http://balsamodels.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2215&hilit=cessna+180+group+build I believe there might even be an expanded discussion of 'paper or plastic'.

Good luck!

[kittyfritters]

If you use CA for glue you definitely want to use plastic wrap. The CA can go right through the waxed paper. However, you have to be careful with the thin CA (a substance used to turn balsa to stone) since it spreads so freely and aggressively that it can find the holes where you have pinned the parts down and get underneath the plastic wrap. If you build with thin CA you have to apply it to the joints with a very fine, almost hypodermic nozzle. If you are using "green glue", white glue or yellow carpenter's glue waxed paper is fine.

[cliffm]

parchment paper is also a good choice for protecting your plans

[squirlye]

I have always used wax paper. But on my newest build my P-40. I am using plastic, but it is painters masking plastic. It seems to work really good so far. I build with CA,Elmers,Gorilla wood glue. and Testors wood Glue. They all have their own purpose, and none of them stick to the painters plastic. Also it is much clearer then the wax paper. I don't think I will be going back to wax paper.

[atesus]

Ever since I read it on RCgroups, I've been using the plastic bags dry cleaners put on the clean garments. It works fine with all the glue types I use, including CA glues, aliphatic, epoxy etc. I have a feeling that it may be the same type of plastic as the painter's plastic squirlye is using.

--Ates

[grezs]

Thanks all. I've started a Hellcat using wax paper and Elmer's. As I progress in building later craft, I'll probably try CA and use plastic.

Gary

[Steve Blanchard]

I have been using thin CA and wax paper for over 10 years an all of my builds. The thing with thin CA, as with all other glues, is application. If you only use a tiny drop at the joint you will get very little glue to wick into the wood and the glue will barely stick to the wax paper if at all. You need to practice at it. Once you get it down it it speeds up the builds exponentially. There are several ways to apply the glue and they all work. Just use a balsa stick with 2 pins glued to it, one on each side, so they come to a point and almost touch. Put a drop of CA on the wax paper out of the way and use the tool you just made to pick up a tiny drop of CA. Hold the two sticks together that you want to glue and just touch the drop of glue at the joint and PRESTO! Instant bond. Watch out for the fumes. If you use use too much there will be a puff of smoke but normally there is nothing.

Steve