cutting a cowl
#3
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RE: cutting a cowl
brittgo6,
When I started to cut cowls, either fiberglas or plastic, I used the tools that my son and I use for our RC cars. Ofna makes some good tools to ream holes and cut plastic/fiberglass. Try them.
Lew
When I started to cut cowls, either fiberglas or plastic, I used the tools that my son and I use for our RC cars. Ofna makes some good tools to ream holes and cut plastic/fiberglass. Try them.
Lew
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RE: cutting a cowl
If you have a dremel, this is the place to use it. For larger holes, use the sanding drums. Go slow and check often.
For small holes a Rotozip bit works well, but is harder to use where longer edges are requirred and still keep the cut smooth.
Basically the same thing rkramer said.
Try the different bits you have in the center of the holes so that you have a future reference, then clean the edges up with the ones you prefer.
For small holes a Rotozip bit works well, but is harder to use where longer edges are requirred and still keep the cut smooth.
Basically the same thing rkramer said.
Try the different bits you have in the center of the holes so that you have a future reference, then clean the edges up with the ones you prefer.
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RE: cutting a cowl
I use the Dremel cut-off wheels, or a Sears diamond wheel that is similar (but will never shatter like the Dremel one) Grind the rough opening a bit inside the lines so you can use a sadning drum to smooth out the edges.
This works on both the ABS and the fiberglass cowls. [8D]
This works on both the ABS and the fiberglass cowls. [8D]
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RE: cutting a cowl
Thanks for all the suggestions. How do you find where to drill a hole for the needle valve? Do you just eye ball it and hope for the best?
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RE: cutting a cowl
ORIGINAL: brittgo6
How do you find where to drill a hole for the needle valve? Do you just eye ball it and hope for the best?
How do you find where to drill a hole for the needle valve? Do you just eye ball it and hope for the best?
There are many good ways to determine the location of the hole. I either:
1) measure from a reference line drawn on the fuse out to the needle valve or
2) tape a piece of long card board on the fuse so that it touches the needle valve, mark the spot on the card board where the needle valve touches, lift the card board up (with the end still taped to the fuse), slide the cowl on, lay the card board back down onto the cowl, transfer the mark from the card board to the cowl.
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RE: cutting a cowl
Richard thanks for the suggestion it worked. How due I attched the extension wire on the needle valve with the cowling on. I'll need a very long allen wrench. If I put the extension on first I can't seem to get the cowling on. Thanks
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RE: cutting a cowl
Make sure the hole is just big enough for the whole needle assembly, remove the needle assembly, fit the cowl then screw the needle assembly back in.
#13
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RE: cutting a cowl
ORIGINAL: brittgo6
If I put the extension on first I can't seem to get the cowling on. Thanks
If I put the extension on first I can't seem to get the cowling on. Thanks
#14
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RE: cutting a cowl
I do needle valves a little different....
First, get a hex head servo screw and cut it off to leave about 1/4" of thread. Next, back out the set screw from your needle valve a little and drill the end hole out to just fit the servo screw. Then insert the servo screw and tighten the set screw. Now you have the perfect adjusting tool...
Next, do the cardboard trick as above and mark the hex head for the servo screw in your needle valve. Drill a small hole in the cowl (1/8" ) and you're finished...!! All you need is a ball end screw driver that fits the hex head of the servo screw... and you can adjust your needle valve without ANYTHING hanging out of the cowl... a really nice clean look... and it's very easy to get the cowl on and off...!! If you want, you can slip in a very small rubber gromet into the 1/8" hole for a professional look.
Best of flying...
Larry
First, get a hex head servo screw and cut it off to leave about 1/4" of thread. Next, back out the set screw from your needle valve a little and drill the end hole out to just fit the servo screw. Then insert the servo screw and tighten the set screw. Now you have the perfect adjusting tool...
Next, do the cardboard trick as above and mark the hex head for the servo screw in your needle valve. Drill a small hole in the cowl (1/8" ) and you're finished...!! All you need is a ball end screw driver that fits the hex head of the servo screw... and you can adjust your needle valve without ANYTHING hanging out of the cowl... a really nice clean look... and it's very easy to get the cowl on and off...!! If you want, you can slip in a very small rubber gromet into the 1/8" hole for a professional look.
Best of flying...
Larry
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RE: cutting a cowl
After you drill the hole for the needle valve extension install a rubber grommet that is used for servo mounting on the cowl. It will keep the extension from cracking the cowl as it vibrates.
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RE: cutting a cowl
HI
a method I use with good results is to mark cutout on cowl and drill closely spaced holes along cut line then I either use an exacto !19 knife or a small saw blade with dremel tool depending on size of cut.
good luck and happy flying
joe
a method I use with good results is to mark cutout on cowl and drill closely spaced holes along cut line then I either use an exacto !19 knife or a small saw blade with dremel tool depending on size of cut.
good luck and happy flying
joe