Balsa USA Smoothie RC Plane Kit Build No 38, install CA Hinges

[@easystar123]

Very good video and very well explained. Thanks for sharing.

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Thanks I appreciate it.

[@stevejones9044]

I usually don't use CA hinges and replace them with pin or flat nylon hinges but with a recent ARF I bought I just used their CA hinges. Probably strong enough for a Sig Kadet Seniorita. Those scissors look like they could snip off fingers! Beefy!

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

I think Im using CA more these days because I find them easier, but once I get to a bigger class plane, probably the more traditional hinge is better. I dont know how long a CA hing lasts.

[@tomflynn7373]

I purchased this kit from BUSA. It was my first build. I can’t thank you enough for doing this build video. I have only built the wing so far. Your video has been extremely helpful in so many ways. I probably could not have built the wing and had such a good outcome without your help. Thank you so much and keep the videos coming. I even pick up some tips and tricks from your other videos. I also purchased the BUSA Phaeton II to build in the future. Hoping you build one so I can learn from that too!!

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Thats great to hear! Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate you checking out my videos and like I always say, don’t stop there, lots of great work going on out there to check out. I learn something new all the time checking others work. As I go along, there are things in this build that probably could be done differently or better, so for sure if somI do doesn’t make sense send a comment or do it the way makes sense to you. We all learn from each other. Im getting closer to finishing mine and hope to have it done soon. Thanks again, and good luck with it.

[@collinmccallum]

looking great!!!!

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

thanks!

[@guypehaim1080]

All you have to do is put a wedge under the Debro bracket to angle the tailwheel axis to match the rudder angle.

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Hi, good point, ya thats an option I considered. They have you do that on the Stingray 120 Im building.

[@ralphhowing3473]

They make a tool for that!

[@joepellissier2091]

Great job on this video and the whole series. I have not used CA hinges before. I have always used plastic/nylon hinges with the pin at the hinge joint. Is there an advantage or disadvantage to either of the hinge types?

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Im the same , I used to use the nylon ones also. I still like them. I think they are both good, and Im not sure what the size limit is for CA hinge. I think once you get to 60 class or higher its probably better to use the nylon hinge. But I have seen them in bigger planes. Overall I think the CA hinges are easier to use, you dont need as big of a slot and the CA is less messy, where the nylon you need a bigger slot and epoxy and have to make sure you dont get epoxy on the hinge pin. But really, it probably comes down to preference. I have not researched which ones last longer.

[@richarddorsch7275]

I meant a new one, sorry. I must remind myself to proof read what I write.

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

No worries, typos are a part of life!

[@richarddorsch7275]

I would think that if you had to replace a ca hinge by cutting it to replace it, it would also require that all the hinges be cut out or else you would not have the clearance to install a bed one. I'd rather use nylon ones with hinge pin.

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Ya, it would be hard to replace just one for sure. You would have to cut them all and set new ones adjacent I think

[@Deck1ngUK]

That was by far the most stomach churning video I’ve seen, as I have a phobia about cuts to hands and fingers 🥹. Could you not make those hinge slits whilst in build so that you could hold the balsa in a vice or block. Just to keep hands out of the way 😅.

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

I hear you. Ya its kinda hard to slot while trying to be safe. I kept catching myself getting too close. Your Idea would work I think. For the ailerons and the elevator and rudder, holding in a vice or clamp to the edge of the table would be a good idea. The only thing on this build would be the trailing edge of the wing since the pieces come together in the build and you could not pre-slot that. But the other parts for sure. At least for the wing its big enough to hold off to one side. Thanks, thats is a good idea.

[@joepellissier2091]

@@JamesRCPlaneTech I agree, safety first. You could always wear cut proof gloves. You are so good at precise measurements I don’t see why you couldn’t preslot the hinges before the rudder and elevator were installed. Even if you needed to make adjustments to the slot during the hinge installation it would probably be safer.

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Something to think about in future, and holding in a clamp or vice would be easier also instead of with the hand.

[@johndarmiento]

you dont need the computer music

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Thanks for your opinion, the feedback is useful. I have reduced it in my latest vids and back to more narration. There's a tradeoff, if I just build and have some hopefully non irritating light music in the background, the vids are shorter which tends to be what viewers like. But if I narrate, I lose the music (which in fine with me), but then they get long. I kinda like narrating where needed and maybe a little background music here and there if needed. Thank again, the feedback is useful.

[@spiroskatsikas]

I use the router hings don't use that type of hing anymore. Try them thay are better

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Ill have to see what those are about, thanks.

[@richarddorsch7275]

That bug looks like a 'stink bug'....yes that's it's name. They are harmless but STINK if you smash them, so don't attempt it.

[@ralphhowing3473]

Now smell your fingers that was a stink bug!!

[@robtruckingbear7336]

That beetle is known as a "Stink Bug". Go look up why they got that name😂

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Haha, ya good he went outside!

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Ya, Ill keep him outside!