Thread: Building small model planes

Hi TJ,

Unfortunately that link wouldn't open so I can't see what captured your interest.

However;

I used to build model gliders and rubber powered aircraft from scratch as a young fella. I would get copies of the "Aeromodeller annual", pick whichever plane I liked and go from there. Often, the dimensions were incomplete but hey, that's what a decent rule and a calculator was for!

For a glider the only material you need is balsa wood, glue and tissue paper. The only tools you need are a steel rule and a knife. One of those $5 craft knife kits with three handles and lotsa blades is good but you can do everything with a Stanley Knife.

Balsa wood is available from the craft section of Bunnies and there is a company called "Artmil" who produce kits and also sets of "plans". Avoid the plans, they are utter rubbish.

Originally Posted by tj hooker

Hi

I was looking at some models on line and thought they looked great.
Here:
http://www.theaircraftcollec​tion.co...s/B29/B29.html

That got me thinking that maybe I could make something like that.
I always liked using my hands and wood working in school.

I haven't got much money so I wouldn't be able to buy much tools.
I have sand paper, cheap $2 wood work tools(from $2 shop).

I got no proper real model wood but I do have a lot of wood out side that is going to be cut up for fire wood.
Not sure if they are good for modeling. I think theres a bit of rose wood, tea tree and some eucalyptus.


Is there any guide online for this sort of thing? Can some one give me a link.
What tools would I need.

Any tips welcomed.
Thank you.

tj hooker I have sent you an email in regard to helping you

Colbra

I'd say join a local mens shed.
Lots of people who know how to do things,
They have the tools from the $200 dollar shop.
They have coffee and biscuits.
They usually have a wood shed where you can buy pieces cheaply as well.

Originally Posted by Chief Tiff

Hi TJ,

Unfortunately that link wouldn't open so I can't see what captured your interest.

Try this.

@Chief Tiff
"One of those $5 craft knife kits with three handles"

Can you show me a picture of that. Not sure what you mean.

I would have a stanley knife around here somewhere.

I got a couple of swiss army knives(real victorinox swiss). Seeing as they not made for wood carving they probably get blunt real fast.

G'Day & welcome to a top forum "TJ",
You'll find a heap of helpful & knowledgable blokes & ladies on the forum, all very willing to assist.
Now I've only been here a couple of years and haven't seen much on model planes & the like, though I'm sure someone will have the know-how.
Make sure you show off your handiwork as everyone loves a photo, especially WIP photos with build notes.
Enjoy your woodwork & modeling.
Enjoy the forum.
Cheers, crowie

PS - Start checking out all the local garage sales to build up your tool collection....better than the $2 shop stuff!!!!

Originally Posted by tj hooker

"One of those $5 craft knife kits with three handles"

Can you show me a picture of that.

This is a more expensive version but the cheapies are fundamentally the same thing.
XACTO - X-ACTO Knife | X-ACTO Knives | Precision Knives

I don't like them because I find I'm always tempted to try to much with them and the blades snap. A Stanley knife or similar is just as sharp but has a stonger blade. They are handy if used on suitable materials though.

The biggest challenge you may have initially, is sourcing suitably sized and dimensioned timber. Cutting and shaping timber to size isn't much fun without the right tools, less fun with cheap tools and even less fun when you're inexperienced.

But stick with it and share your experiences with the rest of us.

Originally Posted by chrisb691

Try this.

Chris Norrowed it down and found the site I figure you were looking at the B29 Bomber.If I were you I would start on a single engined plane to see how you go.Then build up to the bigger stuff.A bench disc sander would be on my list if I were to make planes like these

Thanks for the help.


I was wondering to get something like this:

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MUSLCC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER]Amazon.com: Black & Decker RTX-B 3 Speed RTX Rotary Tool with Storage Bag: Home Improvement[/ame]

Bunnings got this one:
Ozito Rotary Tool Kit Including 42pce Accessories Kit - Bunnings Warehouse

Comes with 42 accessories while the black and decker comes with 5 sanders and thats it.

I assume the black and decker would be a lot better, but I would have to buy a US to AUS power connector($2) and then a few accessories to make it useful.

Any one tried the Ozito?

G'Day "TJ",
As a start the Bunnings Ozito tool would be okay to help you learn the hobby.
Neither are Trade Quality Tools, but with funds tight & still just starting out.
Buying local means you get the warranty so you need to weight that aspect of the purchase up.
I hope that's some help.
Cheers, crowie .

PS - TJ if you are in Sydney area; go to the Wood Show at Homebush & have a look around; lots of demos..

Originally Posted by crowie

G'Day "TJ",
As a start the Bunnings Ozito tool would be okay to help you learn the hobby.
Neither are Trade Quality Tools, but with funds tight & still just starting out.
Buying local means you get the warranty so you need to weight that aspect of the purchase up.
I hope that's some help.
Cheers, crowie .

PS - TJ if you are in Sydney area; go to the Wood Show at Homebush & have a look around; lots of demos..

What about this one:
[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-GP10DL-Cordless-Lithium-Ion-Grinder/dp/B005ITCCQ8]Amazon.com: Hitachi GP10DL 12V Peak Cordless HXP Lithium-Ion Mini Grinder Rotary Tool: Home Improvement[/ame]

I would assume here in Australia it would be a lot more expensive. $150-250...

Originally Posted by tj hooker

@Chief Tiff
"One of those $5 craft knife kits with three handles"

Can you show me a picture of that. Not sure what you mean.

I would have a stanley knife around here somewhere.

I got a couple of swiss army knives(real victorinox swiss). Seeing as they not made for wood carving they probably get blunt real fast.

----------------

Most knives are not made for carving, but you can easilly make them into a Carving Knife.

Just try to have one straight bevel and get rid of the secondary bevel at the sharp end of the knife.

If you are not sure what I mean hop into the Carving Section and if still not sure I will get " Robson Valley or Whittling in there, to give you some ideas.

Star

Originally Posted by tj hooker

What about this one:
Amazon.com: Hitachi GP10DL 12V Peak Cordless HXP Lithium-Ion Mini Grinder Rotary Tool: Home Improvement

I would assume here in Australia it would be a lot more expensive. $150-250...

Don't forget anything you import from o/s is likely to have the added complication of power supply differences. Even cordless stuff needs a mains charger. Of course you can always buy power convertors, but then it's not always cheaper, is it ?

If you especially want to use a rotary tool, take Crowie's advice and go with something cheaper and local like the Ozito or perhaps the Master's equivalent. When I was playing around making planes and things similar to those you first linked, I actually used a stanley knife and the battery powered "engraver" from Tandy. Tools I could carry in my pocket and pull out at lunch time.

Don't splurge until you know if you continue. It doesn't take much to start.

Originally Posted by STAR

----------------

Most knives are not made for carving, but you can easilly make them into a Carving Knife.

Just try to have one straight bevel and get rid of the secondary bevel at the sharp end of the knife.

If you are not sure what I mean hop into the Carving Section and if still not sure I will get " Robson Valley or Whittling in there, to give you some ideas.

Star

Maybe like this?

https://www.smartknives.com/Victorin...ardener-Lg.jpg

I got one of them.
Its a sheep foot blade.