GREAT PLANES F-15 EAGLE, Instruction Book, Page: 10 / 53

D D 5. Use a sanding block with medium
(150) grit sandpaper to sand the edges and both
sides of the stab smooth. Carefully draw a
centerline all around the edges of the stab and
elevator. This will make it easier to maintain
symmetry when sanding later.
D 6. Sand the tip and leading edges of the stab
to a rounded shape (see cross-section on plans).
D 7. Now go back and build the other side.
TEMPORARILY INSTALL HINGES
AND TORQUE RODS
D 1. Cut 24 hinges 3/4" x 1" from the 2" x 9" CA
hinge strip.
(NYLON87).
3/4-
Clip off the corners
of each hinge.
Hinge Center Line
D 2. Using the plans as a guide, mark the hinge
locations on the stabs, elevators, fins and rudders.
Also designate one of each as being "right" and
the others as "left".
CAUTION!!!: You must use extreme care
when cutting hinge slots with a hobby knife,
to avoid cutting yourself! If the balsa part
breaks while you are pushing on the knife,
the blade could go into your hand before
you know it! A good precaution is to wear
leather gloves while performing the
following steps.
A. Begin by carefully cutting a very shallow
slit at the hinge location. The first cut is to
establish your cut in the right place, so
concentrate on staying on the line and
don't cut too deep.
B. Make three or four more cuts in the same
line, going slightly deeper each time. As
you make these additional cuts, work on
going straight into the wood. Continue this
process while "wiggling" the knife handle
forward and backward until the blade has
reached the proper depth for the hinge.
C. Trial fit the hinge into the slot. If the hinge
is difficult to push in, re-insert the knife and
move it back and forth in the slot a few
times to enlarge the slot. Do not glue the
hinges yet.
D 4. Using the plans for reference, mark the
location of the torque rods on the elevators. Drill
a 1/8" hole 1-1/8" deep into each elevator as
shown in the photo.
D 2. Cut the hinge slots on the centerlines you
drew earlier. Our recommended hinge slotting
method is described in the next column.
D 5. Groove the elevator leading edge to accept
the torque rod wire. HINT: Use a hobby knife to
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