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Roughen up the jointer plate for the elevator halves with
a piece of sand paper so the epoxy will adhere better.
(The joiner plate is not used if you plan to use 2 elevator
servos. Steps related to the jointer plate can be skipped)
Test fit the elevator joiner plate to each elevator half.
Insert the joiner plate into both halves and look down the
hinge line. It should be straight. If not use a small file
and adjust the slots a little at a time. (Do not glue it yet.)
Insert hinge pins into the elevator halves and the
horizontal stabilizer. Check the fit and gap at the hinge
line. You may need to adjust the hinge holes to minimize
the gap.
A small round file can be used to give the hinges some
clearance. Cleaning out the holes will also help you close
up any gap.
Turn a 1/8”
drill into the holes by hand.
Test fit pieces together and adjust as needed so you get a
good fit between the elevator and the stabilizer. Check
the hinge gap and the gap at the counter balance. Make
sure there is clearance between the elevator joiner plate
and the fuselage. Hold half of the elevator aligned to the
leading edge of the stabilizer and ensure the opposite
elevator half is also aligned. Sand or shim the elevator
joiner plate until both halves are aligned to at the leading
edge of the stabilizer.
Practice assembling the elevator, hinges and jointer plate
together without glue, so things go smoothly when you
glue it all together.
Apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to the center hinge pin
portion of each hinge. This will help prevent glue from
getting into the hinge when gluing then into the elevator.
Avoid getting petroleum jelly on the barbed portion of
the pin. If you do clean it off with alcohol.
Use painter masking tape to prevent glue from getting
where you don’t want it.