CARF-Models Sukhoi SU-31
4
Take Care
Composite sandwich parts are extremely strong, but fragile at the same time.
Always keep in mind that these contest airplanes are designed for minimum
weight and maximum strength in flight. Please take care of it, especially during
transport, to make sure that none of the critical parts and linkages are damaged.
Always handle your airplane with great care, especially on the ground and during
transport, so you will have many hours of pleasure with it.
Gluing Preparation
It is most important to prepare all surfaces properly before gluing, to ensure a
good bond, with the minimum amount of glue. The inner surface of the laminated
sandwich parts must be scuffed with 240 grit sandpaper, then cleaned with
denaturized alcohol or equivalent before gluing parts together. Milled carbon or
fiberglass sandwich parts also need to be lightly sanded and cleaned before
gluing in place. We recommend at least 30 minute epoxy for all
structural joints, mixed with a little micro-balloons to give a light weight fillet to all
joints.
Tools
1. Sharp knife (X-Acto or similar)
2. Allen key set (metric) 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm & 5mm.
3. Sharp scissors
4. Pliers (various types)
5. Wrenches (metric)
6. Slotted and Phillips screwdrivers (various sizes)
7. M3 tapping tool (metric)
8. Drills of various sizes
9. Small spirit level, or incidence meter.
10. Dremel tool (or Proxxon, or similar) with cutting discs, sanding tools and mills.
11. Sandpaper (various grits), or Permagrit sanding tools (high quality).
12. Carpet, bubble wrap or soft cloth to cover your work bench (most important!)
13. Car wax polish (clear)
14. Paper masking tape
15. Denaturized alcohol, or similar (for cleaning joints before gluing)