Great Planes Tracer 46 Kit - GPMA0400 - Manual (Page 10)

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1. Place the stab over its location on the plan and lightly
mark the hinge locations on the trailing edge with a ball
point pen. Mark the hinge locations on the elevators in the
same manner.
We have simplified the task of cutting hinge slots with the
introduction of the Great Planes Slot Machine
™ . This simple
electric tool cuts a perfect width slot for use with CA hinges.
To cut the hinge slot, place the blades onto the wood
where you want the slot. Lightly press the teeth into the
wood. When you are satisfied with the location, press the
button on the handle and the blades will cut easily into the
balsa wood. Go to step 3 to complete hinging your stab.
If you choose not to purchase a Slot Machine you can
make the slots by completing step 2 below:
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2. Cut the hinge slots in the elevator and stabilizer using
a #11 blade. Begin by carefully cutting a very shallow slit at
the hinge location to accurately establish the hinge slot.
Make three or four more cuts, going a little deeper each
time. As you cut, slide the knife from side to side until the
slot has reached the proper depth and width for the hinge.
❏
3. Cut 3/4" x 1" hinges for the elevators and rudder from
the supplied 2" x 9" hinge material, then snip off the
corners. Temporarily join the elevators to the stab with the
hinges, adjusting any hinge slots if necessary so they all
align. Do not glue in the hinges until you are instructed
to do so.
❏
4. Return to steps 1 and 2 and complete the same
procedure to hinge the rudder and fin.
❏
1. Shape the leading edge of the elevators and rudder to
a “V” as shown on the plans.
❏
2. Use a bar sander and 150-grit sandpaper to round the
tail surfaces as shown on the plan. Note: The LE of the stab
is sanded to a sharper angle than the fin is to help tracking.
That's about it for the tail surfaces. They're a little more
work than sheet surfaces but they are much lighter, just as
strong and a nice piece of craftsmanship. Clean off the
work surface and get ready for the wing!
Finish the Tail Surfaces
1"
1"
3/4"
CUT HINGE SLOT
WITH HOBBY KNIFE
AND #11 BLADE
Hinge the Tail Surfaces
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