Covering with econokote?

[john66]

I have noticed that quite a few planes when covered with an iron covering appear to show the texture/pattern of the foam cells through the covering whereas some don't. I don't know if this is simply down to the photos or whether or not there is a method when covering to avoid this?

Any help appreciated.

Thanks, John

[flydiver]

It's called lots of sanding and filling if the plane has those molding bumps. Some planes do not using different technique or material.

[john66]

Thanks for that Fly, I wasnt sure if filling was ok due to the weight factor, I have some decorating type filler in powder form that you mix with water, would that be ok?

John

[ginginho]

Jan 7, 2011 17:44:33 GMT 1 @john66 said:

Thanks for that Fly, I wasnt sure if filling was ok due to the weight factor, I have some decorating type filler in powder form that you mix with water, would that be ok?

John

John,
You want the Polyfilla Light (or similarly named), normal is too heavy. If you go onto RCUniverse and search for twinstar and fozzybear you should find details of how you can create a perfect glass like finish. Lots and lots of coats, sanding etc. as Fly says, but it does look beautiful.

If I find the thread myself, I'lll post a linky.

[flydiver]

The powder you mix will be too heavy.

In the states we use a filler called super-light spackle (or the like). The container feels empty. The contents are like very stiff whipped cream. It's in the same area where wall repair and painting supplies generally are. Adds very little weight.

You can mix this stuff with epoxy to make a light filler/glue: 6 parts spackle : 1 part epoxy maximum or it doesn't seem to set up.

The econocote itself is the major weight problem on the Cub. Too much stuff behind the CG so you end up using lead in the nose to balance.

[john66]

Thank you gentlemen, thats very very usefull info.

John

[john66]

Jan 7, 2011 18:05:56 GMT 1 ginginho said:

John,
You want the Polyfilla Light (or similarly named), normal is too heavy. If you go onto RCUniverse and search for twinstar and fozzybear you should find details of how you can create a perfect glass like finish. Lots and lots of coats, sanding etc. as Fly says, but it does look beautiful.

If I find the thread myself, I'lll post a linky.

Hi Nick, Im unable to find the thread so far, but when doing a search on the B&Q website for Pollyfilla there is none called light nor similar I was wondering if it is possibly what they call "finishing skim" or "fine surface filler" would you be able to pick it out from this line up?

www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?fh_location=//catalog01/en_GB/categories%3C{9372013}/categories%3C{9372033}/categories%3C{9502020}/specificationsProductType=fillers/specificationsSpecificProductType=interior_fillers&fh_reftheme=promo_159030150,seeall,//catalog01/en_GB/categories%3C{9372013}/categories%3C{9372033}/categories%3C{9502020}/specificationsProductType=fillers&fh_refview=summary&icamp=ns_3&listerGallery=true&fh_view_size=150&fh_start_index=0

Thanks for your time.

John

[john66]

Jan 7, 2011 18:49:21 GMT 1 flydiver said:

You can mix this stuff with epoxy to make a light filler/glue: 6 parts spackle : 1 part epoxy maximum or it doesn't seem to set up.

Sorry if this is a silly question, but do you mean epoxy thats been mixed with hardener or just the resin part?

Thanks, John

[flydiver]

Mix up normal 2 part epoxy, then blend in the light spackle. The mixture slows 5 minute epoxy down considerably. It might take ages with slow set epoxy.
If you try this be sure to experiment first before putting potential ugly non-setting goop on your plane.

[john66]

Cheers Fly, Understood, John

[ginginho]

John, this is the stuff:
www.polycell.co.uk/products/polycell_one_fill_polyfilla.jsp

You'll know it is because when you pick up the tub it will feel like its empty as it's very lightweight.

I gave you a bum steer, it wasn't RCU it was RCG! This is the first post that Julian made outlining the process he used:

www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=12062518&postcount=9

If you want to apply a covering you only really need to do the first and second steps. Be aware though that the SC wings flex a fair bit no matter what, so it's possible that any filling will crack, and the covering will lift to a degree anyway.

[john66]

Nice one Nick, appreciated. Just been lookin at Fozzy's Pics, WOW that really is one hell of a beautiful finish!

Thank you, John

[john66]

After reading the full post from Fozzy (and not just skipping to the pics like I kinda did first time) I notice he has only painted and not covered with covering. Looks beautiful but I cant imagine very durable? I wonder if the filler falls out on impact.

The surface is beautiful nonetheless and I think I will def give it a go before covering.

Thanks again Nick, John

[john66]

I picked up a couple of tubs of the "Pollycell One Fill" this weekend and it is indeed super light, the tubs feel empty!

I was also wondering if anybody has tried "Primer Filler" Halfords (automotive chain store) sell this stuff....

www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_155241_langId_-1_categoryId_165495#dtab

Ignore the colour in pics it comes in Grey and is acrylic based. Anyone have any experience using it?

John

[john66]

I was also wondering if anybody has tried "Primer Filler" Halfords (automotive chain store) sell this stuff....

www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/store....yId_165495#dtab

Ignore the colour in pics it comes in Grey and is acrylic based. Anyone have any experience using it?

John