Today was the big day; cutting out the basic shape of the helicopter. I did it like you would do those scroll saw or bandsaw reindeer (cutting out two perspectives to get a final shape in the middle). I have to admit that this morning before I started I was nervous because I had never cut anything so big on the bandsaw, and messing up would be costly. The blank for the body of the copter weighed 30lbs, and was difficult to manuver around the bandsaw, even when I was constantly lubricating the table. But, it all went great, although I wish I would have worn a dust mask because I don’t have dust collection and am still coughing from the dust. the next step will be cutting it in half and then temporarily glueing it back together to sand all the curves.
-- Ryan
5 comments so far
Raymond
home | projects | blog
665 posts in 1896 days
#1 posted 498 days ago
Hi Ryan, where did you get the drawings from?
-- Ray
Ryan Haasen
home | projects | blog
340 posts in 569 days
#2 posted 498 days ago
I drew them, using many pictures form the internet. They are still not complete, but I thought I’d do what I can.
-- Ryan
Mark Shymanski
home | projects | blog
3966 posts in 1881 days
#3 posted 498 days ago
A very interesting project! I am looking forward to watching your progress.
-- "Checking for square? what madness is this! The cabinet is square because I will it to be so!" Jeremy Greiner LJ Topic#20953 2011 Feb 2
hunter71
home | projects | blog
1258 posts in 1355 days
#4 posted 498 days ago
sanding compound curves are a pain. I got an inflatable drum sander sander and life got a lot better quick. There are several types out there and some just for us model builders. I would send you a picture of mine but it is 7349 miles from me now. It is especially good for “old truck” fenders and cabs. I took a look at whats available today and see some that attach to a drill for under $50, mine is bench mounted and a strong mounting seems necessary to me.
-- A childs smile is payment enough.
xwingace
home | projects | blog
199 posts in 757 days
#5 posted 498 days ago
Looking good! You have a G.I. Joe to go in the pilot seat?
-- I'm not as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was.
Have your say...