Scratch Building Your Own RC Planes Episode #1 Introduction to the Build Series..
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- čas přidán 2. 08. 2020
- Design and Build Your Own Scratch Build RC Plane:
This is the introduction to an instructional video series for those who want to design and build their own RC airplanes. Video two will be out in a week or so where we build the fuselage and all of the templates needed for that construction method.
Looking forward to seeing the rest of the series. Thanks for taking the time to upload this.
This is an incredible video!!
Thank you Mike for sharing your wisdom with us. On my wood frame airplanes I've only built ARFs and Guillows balsa planes. I've been wanting to build a scratch built balsa for some time, but I've been rather intimidated to even begin to try. After watching your first two videos you have me hooked. I'm now confident in beginning my first scratch built wood aircraft. Of course, it helps to have a shop, but since I only have my front room and my yard, I'll have to improvise accordingly.
Thank you so much for the kind words Robert. In the next few days I am putting together a new little router table top that I can throw in my trailer for traveling. I'll just slap it on a trash can for a cabinet and use a shop vac for dust control. I'll make a quick video of that and post it as episode 2.1.
I have one now that works great but its quite old and beat up from years of travel. Anyway, it would be a great solution for guys/gals with extremely limited space. I even use a compact table saw and bench top bandsaw when I'm on the road. These tools are cheap at places like harbor freight.
Once you clear those three hurdles, everything else we will be using has a very small footprint.
My point is, you don't have to own all the woodworking tools you see in my shop to build these planes. I do it regularly on bench-top Harbor Freight equipment. Nothing we are doing "requires" the level of duty or precision capable from my shop tools. I use those tools for furniture building.
We will be building wing panels real soon. Most guys will need to build a vacuum system to facilitate this part of the build. The system can be built on a shoestring budget and its much easier than I ever thought it would be. The timing is right for me to release a few minute video on tools needed for that phase so guys can be gathering the parts to build their systems.
I built balsa rib wings for years because I thought foam core construction was out if my reach. I couldn't have been more wrong. Foam core construction is cheaper, easier and far more durable. Once you see it done, I believe you will be hooked.
I must warn you though. Several of my buddies have become foam core addicts. 🤭
Fantastic video. Cannot wait to see the coming the rest of the series.
Thank you so much for the kind words.
I am editing the next video as we speak and I should have it uploaded tonight or tomorrow. The clips for the next four or five episodes have been filmed so they will come out quickly. The plan is to have videos come out once a week. The challenge is getting it shortened down without losing valuable instructional content. I'm trying to keep the episodes just under one hour long with absolutely no fluff.
In addition, I will be throwing out shorter videos between episodes on things like making wing tube sockets, hinge prep and instalation and making servo extensions. That will help keep the main video episodes shorter and make it simpler for guys to find those topics for later reference.
awesome.God bless.
Your plane design so amazing sir, thanks for sharing.
Your plane design is awesome!
Awesome work! They look like they fly better than what you can buy!
Its definitely a tougher plane. In addition, the huge control surfaces and tremendous wing area gives you control authority to enjoy a flight envelope that most ARFs can only dream of. The slow flight control is addictive.
Having the ability to replace your own parts provides a greater level of confidence and enjoyment as well. If you break a fuse, just pull your tail surfaces off and glue them in a new fuse. I've done that several times. In fact, I'm doing to video on that now.
Very good video,very detailed , can't wait to see the new video
i think this combo of foam and balsa is awesome. i am busy designing a 3d flyer on CAD and wanted to go foam and balsa but never found good videos to give me reassurance. super informative thank you
That's fantastic to hear. Be sure to join the FACEBOOK Group "RC Foam Core Wings". Its the supplement to the videos.
GREAT Video!!
Hi, nice to meet you. I send you a great greeting from Buenos Aires Argentina.
👍😎👍
Fantastic to hear from you!!! I have a good friend from Argentina.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Enjoyed your other videos but hope you post another airplane build video.
New subscriber here, love what I see and will be watching more of your videos 👍
Welcome!!!! If you just started, you have a lot to catch up on. Episode two is very long by its nature but the others are all about 30 minutes.
Feel free to join the project's Facebook page "RC Foam Core Wings" for on going discussions about these builds.
Also, the project's web page rcfoamcorewings.com is under construction and almost done. Material is being added every day so check that out too.
Good to have you.
Lots of fun
I hope you enjoy!!!!
Greeting from the other side of the planet. I've been flying ARF's for years, & built a couple of models from kits, looking forward to the challenge of building my own models from scratch. I do hope that in your video builds, you give lots of details how to do things. Oh..... Keep in mind, that any products you use, or recommend in your build, may not be available outside the States. Cheers.
That's a great tip about products that I hadn't thought of. Ill keep that in mind. I think you will be happy with the detail level. I hate watching a video and still not fully understanding how to complete a project.
I am completing the edits on the next 4 videos now and should have them out in the few days.
Thanks for the tips!!!
Mike
@@mikencrcf6018
Just a silly question.......the earth must rotate veeeeeery slowly in the States.....?
Where I'm sitting it's already the 6th of September!
I can't wait for the next videos
Regards from South Africa
Cool
New subscriber😊
many years back when I got started scratch building was the only way... as its cheap... & I love building planes... I made fuselage from ply & wings from foam & veneer sheeting... I never purchased an ARF.. scratch building all the way...
I love scratch building as well but I also own a few ARFs. I have 8 Extreme Flight 50, 60 and 70cc planes. There is no way that I can build a plane to the exacting specs of a high quality floaty ARF. (I actually could, but it would take an incredible amount of time and work to achieve) Unfortunately, that super feather weight comes at a cost; its very fragile if it hits the ground. That's where these build materials and techniques shine. It will never perform like and EF but it flies well enough to surpass most pilots skill levels and its incredibly durable and cheap to repair.
Awesome, Thanks for your video. I am starting my first build of a balsa model (Phoenix Corsair 0.52). Which video would be the best to learn to build (installing the servos, pushrods, mounting the engine, fitting fuel tank and tubes linkage to the glow engine, glueing the hinges, installing the gear, etc.) and how to measure the CG (should I fill the fuel tank first!). Thanks
Uncle...
We are waiting for the next video's
Regards
The second video is uploading to CZcams now. Episode Two covers building the fuselage templates and gluing the fuselage box up. That video is very long (two hours). I debated breaking it into at least 4 episodes but it seemed too disjointed. Following episodes should all be around 30 minutes each.
Just finished watching the last video on this. Great series of videos. If I put that much work into an RC plan I don't think I could fly it, but then it looks like it could take any mistake I would make. My only complaint in the whole series is when you were using the router table to trim out the waste on the wings etc. you used your fingers to pick out the off cuts. That just made me cringe. I would never put my finger in that position.
Yeah, one of my buddies routes the entire waste block out to avoid a piece in the center. Good safety point if you're not used to routers.
Me: watching this Video because i'm interested in Balsa building / Rc planes in general (currently Restoring a Robbe Do It)
Lilah: walks by.
Me: DOGGO 😍
I can barely hear you, pity.
Very good instruction. There are not many people which are able to build the RC plane nowadays.
Best regards
I subsribe !
Sorry to hear about the audio issues. I'm getting a new camera and better audio very soon. I'm using a phone now. Its all a function of $. Thanks for the kind words.
Hi Mike. Do you provide plans for building the airplane??
do you make larger high wing kits for electric and how much
Can I also recommend that you create a separate playlist for this build series. Do you have any plans or templates available?
I agree Don, but I am so new to this that I'm still learning the best way to organize the Chanel. For example, would it be best to create Playlist, Sections or a separate Chanel for the series and everything directly related.
I understand that creating a new Chanel and moving the series to it would lose the views its accumulated so far? Any help here would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike
@@mikencrcf6018 I think just a playlist would be fine. Just create, name it, then start adding videos to it. Makes the organization easier for you, and also for the viewer. Keeping the naming convention the same. Adding another channel would be confusing.
@@TheBigChinoDon Perfect!!! I'll get it done. Thanks.
@@TheBigChinoDon The channel should be much easier to navigate now. Thanks for the input, your suggestion was dead on.
Great video, with one exception: You did not introduce your assistant in the background!
Where do you get your lite ply? I live in Georgia also Just west of Atlanta.
Harvey, you are in luck!!! I get my Lite Ply at Spruce Aircraft Supplies in Peachtree City, GA. So, you are actually closer than me. They were out of stock a couple of weeks ago due to COVID shortages abroad but it may be back in stock now.
A tip for buying: Tell them you don't want the sheet on top of their stack. The second and subsequent sheets will be much straighter. Take a scrap sheet of plywood with you and cover it in the bed of your truck on the way home. Just that ride will dry the exposed face faster than the covered face and cause it to curl a bit. That's just the nature of very thin plywood. Once you get it home, stand it on end between other plywood sheets. Put it back as soon as you cut off what you need. That way, it will remain like brand new for years if needed. I buy at least ten sheets at a time. I'm down to about three sheets and will be making a run before long.
BTW, I'm east of Atlanta about 45 miles.
Mike, where do you get foam wing blanks that size for "a couple of dollars, or so"? I had to order 48" x 24" blanks for my project at $25 ea!
I buy from a company in Conyers, GA. called CelloFoam. Look for a foam manufacturer/distributor. If you buy from retail, it will get expensive. I buy my pieces in 4x24x48 blocks. But they will cut any size. A little over 5 bucks a piece. One slab gives me a wing half and leftovers for the tail parts or ailerons. If you'd like, I can see if they can point me to a distributor close to you.
I see that CelloFoam has locations in GA, FL, IN, VA and OK.
I quick Google search reveals very similar organizations across the country. Some have $250 minimum orders. I go in with a couple guys in my club and make 2 or 3 orders a year. Like I said, it gets addictive. 250 bucks worth is a lot of foam. Storage is the biggest issue. That's why we split it up. That way we all have smaller quantities on hand. If one of us runs out, we just borrow from the others until we're all out or close to out and then restock.
Some distributors don't have a minimum order. I suspect their cost is higher. I don't know what shipping would be since I drive to pick it up. Based on this question, I've sent email quote requests to several companies across the country. I asked for pricing on 4x24x48 slabs and 6x6x36 pieces and shipping costs. I'll let you know what the replies are.
@@mikencrcf6018 Thanks much for the info, Mike. Letting me know of a distributor near Columbus OH would be great! Like i said, the 3" 2x4' blocks I bought online were $25 ea plus shipping!!
I got a quote returned from Universal Foam Products MD. They would charge $8 for the 4x24x48 slabs and $2.70 for the 6x6x36 piece. I'm sure they have a minimum so going in with others would help. That price included shipping to me here in GA. So, finding foam shouldn't be an issue and shipping shouldn't be an issue as long as you can have it shipped to a commercial address and pick it up there. I have stuff like that shipped to my buddies company sometimes when they won't deliver to a residential address.
I hope that helps,
Mike
Mike; Where have you been able to find 1/8" 4' x 8' lite plywood?
I buy it from Aircraft Spruce in Peachtree City GA.
Liteply is a brand name for Bending Plywood. Its a thin sheet of balsa between two sheets of poplar. That's very common.
Request of RC foam core wings is pending. Meanwhile can you please guide me the nest possible wat to get the template/plans to get going with the fuse and wings for the 35 cc turtle deck version
Im not sure what you by the pending request.
I will have to trace those templates and have them scanned a print shop.
I just haven't had time to do that.
I'll try to get that done this week.
Do you have a way to print them on a large scal printer like at a print shop?
I failed to mention, the high wing version (Bush Gnat) is running an RCGF 20RE. As you can see it has more than enough power with a 20cc. The red plane (Sport Gnat) is running a DLE35RA in this video. I actually prefer the RCGF 35RE. They are stronger, lighter and cheaper.
Some guys wanted to see more Pylon Gnat or Combat Gnat footage. Here's a good crash video. Apparently, two rolls close to the deck was more than my brain could keep up with.
Pylon Gnat crash.
czcams.com/video/866nCO42ogo/video.html
Is it possible that you can upload the pdf design for the rc plane to be laser cut. it will be a great favor. Thanks.
Several guys wanted to see more Pylon Gnat or Combat Gnat footage. Here's a good crash video. Two rolls close to the deck was more than my brain could keep up with.
Pylon Gnat crash.
czcams.com/video/866nCO42ogo/video.html
I'm a Mooney M20C owner and I would love to build a RC version of the plane but no one has any plans for it
The nice thing is, you don't need plans. The M20C is a fabulous plane and it would be a fun project using foam core and liteply. The NACA 63-215 airfoil would be easy to build. Or, you could build a NACA 2412 and gain some stability but maintain a very similar appearance. Very few if any one could tell the difference.
I just started a Facebook group for this project. Its a much easier format to talk.
"Foam Core RC Plane Builds and Repairs".
Were you purchase balsa sheets from.
I buy from National Balsa in most cases. I find their prices the best and the machine quality is far superior to most other distributors.
My second choice Specialized Balsa. Their prices are near close to National but their stock isn't as good.
The prices from other distributors are ridiculously high firnthe same class and grade of wood.
That's a great question. Please join the FACEBOOK Group RC Foam Core Wings for more topics like this.
What material do you recommend?
For what part of the construction?
@@mikencrcf6018 The body
I’m not planning on making it Rc though
Just a model
im looking for something simulair a 120 stinger eletric
Do you sell or market any of these airplanes?
I have built some for a few friends but honestly, there's no way to make enough money to be worth it using these build techniques. To make money, you'd be better off using CNC equipment and cheaper materials. By the time you do all that its gonna be very difficult to compete with the Chinese factories.
Remember, this plane is not designed to compete with the ARFs out there. Instead, its purpose is to be much more durable yet still capable of great flight all while being built in most home shops.
I have considered selling templates/jigs.
Nice!
Where is the next video
I am so sorry for the delay. I had a back injury which took me out of commission for a bit. I am editing the next video now and it should be out by the end of the week. If you recall from the intro video, video #2 includes making the router templates for all of the fuse parts. I hope to knock that filming out Tuesday. I should be able to get at least one video out per week from this point forward.
Thanks for the support,
Mike
Hope for a speedy recovery
por que no pone la dirección de su tienda online?.
There is no store. I'm not selling anything. Just giving away information.
Hi sir mike im gary one of your big fan's here in the philipines i wish i have that kind of rc plane i try to build on my on but its expensive i cant afford i hope you will see my massage i accept even its old thank you
I wanted so much to learn from your video but sound was almost impossible to hear. Please invest in a lapel mic it will improve things tremendously.
The early videos were done with very little experience or equipment.
Although I'm not a video expert by any means, you will find later episodes much easier to hear.
I did get a lapel mic and found it inappropriate for my environment. The cords just don't work while working with tools and moving around.
I sprung for a high quality remote mic and it works fabulously.
Do you have a set of plans avaiveble to purchase
No. There are no "plans". I can trace the templates and mail them or send a PDF via email. I have already traced the BushGnat but not the SportGnat yet. I can do that next week if you wish. If you need a hard copy, $20 covers print and shipping. Email is obviously free.
@@mikencrcf6018 Yes a pdf would be great I am interested in the Sportgnat I have built many balsa models but never a scratch built plane this would be the first thanks Mike
@@mikencrcf6018 great video series! Have been power watching a bunch of them since I found your channel. I would also like to get a copy of the templates if possible. Not sure which plane is which, but the large (green / yellow) plane and also the red one if possible. Email is fine. Hopefully you have already done this previously and there isn’t any Additional work. Let me know how we can exchange email addresses. I found your club online so I can email there if that works. Thanks in advance
@@robertswinford6569
The easiest way to communicate is by joining the Facebook Group " RC Foam Core Wings".
I can get drawings for the BushGnat via email there. I have not scanned the templates for the SportGnat yet. I'll do that soon.
@@mikencrcf6018 you got it. Will join for sure. Thanks
Sound quality is pathetic! Sorry but it seems that camera is placed quite far from roll B so not able to get everything in first instance. Had to rewind the video several times. Content quality was great indeed. Hope you consider comments. Thanks
I'm very sorry for the sound quality issues and I hate that you had to rewind. I'm new to video production with absolutely no experience at all. I'm filming with my phone (Galaxy 10+). I'll research a remote mic option and hopefully do much better as I move forward. Using DaVinci Resolve, I'm sure I could have solved much of the audio issues through the editing software. Unfortunately, that's way beyond my capabilities at this early juncture. If you have any suggestions, I'd love your input. In addition, I would love to get a dedicated camera very soon but they are kind of pricey and honestly, there's a ton of research to be done on that front before making a purchase. Therefore, I wanted to see how things go first.
Again, thanks for your kind words and the constructive criticism,
Mike
You are one clever dude why can’t you be my dad
3:17... small shop.... lol NOT... very nice
Fala em português pra eu entender uai
I cant make this out using the translator.
Dislike!
Ill bite, Curious what you "dislike"?
Thanks. Your style is informative and relaxing. I'm getting back into modelling after building/flying c/l many decades back. I've built (and ooops'd) a few balsa trainers, along with some ARTFs. I just enjoy watching build techniques.
Thanks!!! I hope you enjoy yhe series.
Be sure to check the Facebook group RC FOAM CORE WINGS. Its the support group for this video series..
Thats where I can answer questions, we have discussions and we can all swap photos.