Foamboard Building Techniques: Stabilizers #1 - Leading & Trailing Edges

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Here are some ideas on building the tail of your plane from Dollar Tree (Readi-Board) foamboard, packing tape, and hot glue. This video details cutting out and finishing the leading and trailing edges. Also see videos on the control surface hinge and servo and control horn installation.

[@scottfrank8805]

Sweet. thanks for the details on the edges, 'especially the trailing edge-taper-tape on both sides-hinge in the middle- technique. i will crash less and make em pretty as I go. I appreciate ya Sir! Next time I travel through Phoenix, I'd like to buy you lunch! scott

[@easyrider01maxy]

On the leading edged of my stabs and rudders I have used bbq skewers attached with hot glue , you could then cover with packing tape and is more aerodynamic and toughens the edges.

[@inemm]

I appreciate you and your videos thank you

[@DoRC]

Have you ever tried using a dowel on the leading edge with the tape wrapped around it? A little sandpaper on the dowel can make a little concave in the edge of the board for the dowel to sit in. Super durable, adds rigidity and makes a nice round edge.

[@ExperimentalAirlines]

No magic number, and it depends on the model as well. I favor a 1.5" elevator for docile planes and 2" for more aggressive planes, then make the static part of the horizontal stabilizer root chord at least twice that, and ideally in no case less than 1/3 of the span. So I would recommend a minimum root chord of 5" for you, 6" better for a bit more strength. Swept leading edges at your discretion, but I usually take it down by 1' at the tips.

[@ExperimentalAirlines]

So many options, too many to list. I like the 2826 1400KV size that's about 50g and gives around 250watts, with an 8x3.8 slowflight prop. Reasonably powerful but efficient and good for parkflyers.

[@phuckeknutz2164]

Needs paper on both sides!! Just taped it and got the "Rocking chair rocker" effect!! Another prototype....hahaha

[@inemm]

Do you have any videos showing these techniques on pieces of foam that are bigger than 4 in wide I'm trying to do little bit bigger wingspan than that. :+)

[@phuckeknutz2164]

The piece leftover has no paper on one side.Will just taping that side be strong enough or should it have the factory paper on both sides? Thanks.

[@route66flyer29]

EA... I'm also a big fan of Flitetest (The Josh's lol) and watched one recently The Josh B. used a scrap (maybe 1- 11/2" w X 4-5" L) foam and cut a notch just wide enough in the narrow width to fit tightly over the end of foam board, ran a bead of glue down the end and used the notched scrap to scrap off the excessive glue, not only sealing the end but leaving a nice tapered edge that appeared to look pretty good. Have you tried this method yet (if not will you try it) and what do you think of it. Also looks to be clean and quick. *Dance The Skies*

[@chrisfettig]

i would like to build some diy foam rc planes. i want a longer flight time over speed. but id also like to try out some 3d semi capable stuff maybe one day... small neighborhood builds. what size motor, esc, battery, and prop size should i aim for? any suggestions?

[@tomepixel]

I see the Horz Stab needs to be 15" long How wide ?? I have alot of scraps, as I had to make two Fuse's before I got it right thanks

[@ExperimentalAirlines]

@maksym2k Look on my channel for the one entitled: "Foamboard Building Techniques: Tape Covering The Foamboard"

[@Berghiker]

For a 50W engine, is a 20mm wide elevator enough?

[@Berghiker]

How do you get your box tape to stick so well to the styrofoam? Mine doesn't stick so well, it just want's to slip off.

[@jinchey]

HowToExcel Hello from 2018 😂. Did you apply the tape to the foam or the paper covering? I find it doesn't adhere to foam well at all but it sticks to the paper covering like a charm.

[@ExperimentalAirlines]

northern Phoenix

[@DickGibson]

Where are you located in Arizona?