[Nuker]

Well building season is well underway in warm sunny Canada!

Nothing like the smell of balsa dust. So in your travels, tribulations and buildings, what has been the most unique or useful gadget you've come across?

Though on top of my list for useful is my GP electric hinge slotter, I'd also have to put a vote in for the clamps that can be closed by squeezing the trigger, all with one hand.

For unusual it's the fine tip eye droppers I used for thin CA (basically for hinges) uses less ca and less mess.

What about you?

Bob

ps I should also mention these might be good ideas to pass along to the folks who might want to get you some gadgets for the upcoming holiday season

[Noin]

Where do you get those fine drip eye droppers?

[Nuker]

At my LHS. There are typically 2 sizes; med and small tip. The small tip allows you to count the drops of CA. I buy them in boxes of 12 as they do wear out after a bit but normally last me for each build. from joining sheeting to the hinges. Less mess too

[ThePeej]

I find myself making very regular, and awesome use of the Dead Centre tool. Sortof a hand held drill in a sheath with a cone on the end that keeps the bit lined up dead centre. Great for pilot holes for servo and control horn mounting etc.


totally awesome tool.

[Noin]

I second the Dead Center Tool praise. Put out by Great Planes and worth every penny. Makes mounting engines on engine mounts easy and transfers just about any hole you need accurately. I use mine a lot more than I thought I would when I bought it, its that kind of tool.

[StevenHilton]

I am think the most useful thing I have seen of late was an electric powered tape measure. Call me lazy but......

[Midair]

This is a great string! I, like probably many (most?) of you, am a tool nut, but I often wonder about the practicality or usefulness of some of these "gadgets." Its good to see your responses, based on actual hands on use. Thanks.

Peter

[joey]

My most favourite tool for building, is the 2 jigs that I made using plans that someone here shared with me. The first one is the jig for building the fuselage straight and true, using clamps all the way down both sides, with lines drawn all the way down to measure off of. And the second one is the jig for building wings, using 1/4 aluminum rods, and clamps.these two tools have made me a better builder for sure. Im not perfect, but I am getting better with every build. I have includue the web site, hope it might help ,(Http://webpages.charter.net/rcfu/constguide/index.Html.)

[orenda635]

The syringes that come with printer ink refil kits are ideal for injecting after-run oil into engine bearings and other hard to reach areas. I use then to inject ATF or rislone when I winter my engines.

[Jollidude]

The most useful tool that I have and would be lost without is the Master Airscrew razor plane. Makes quick work of shaping balsa blocks into cowls, wingtips, etc. Their balsa stripper is handy too. Saves money not having to buy strip stock when scratch building. Just buy sheet and cut the sizes that you need. I like the Sig glue tips for ca glue as well. It makes it easy to get a couple of drops into a tight spot without wasting a lot of glue.

Cheers!

Jollidude