Hi,
I was wondering if someone has tried Ironing Monokote with travel iron like below:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260668822356&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_500wt_1154

I have been told from senior scratch builders that they use normal cloth iron press with ironing. The above mini Iron closely resembles the much costlier and dedicated 'Sealing Iron for Monokote/Oracover', sold my R/C Hobby stores , and I was wondering if I can save some dough here.

Ujjwal,

I have been covering the wings with monokote using regular iron as well as travel iron. Both work good, but yes if you haven't done it before with some practice you will master the art. I wil siggest you practice first with small patchs on scrap balsa to get used to amount of temperature required. Diffrent materials behave differently & you need to get used to temp reqired, speed required etc. Also keep paper pin handy incase of air bubbles are trapped during process to release the air to get smooth finish.

I am using them for more than 3 years, Just start slow on the heat adjustment and increase gradually to suit the type of covering film you are using. I also borrow my wife's hair drier and oven glove to stretch the film once in a while. 

I am not really getting the idea of covering the wing with Monokote and how to use the iron box. could you please post video also?

Regards
Dileep

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vRJk4Fu0K4&feature=related
Not Rocket science, but a fine art.

is tat travel iron working on DC or AC?

AC. Not easy to find DC sources when you are - well - travelling!

AC. Not easy to find DC sources when you are - well - travelling!

Which one is to choose for the covering purpose, normal iron worth 400 or the above mentioned link's travel iron?

Krishxx, Go try out the iron you have at home

DC or AC does not matter for iron or resistive load. Moreover DC supply is rare to see at present.
The wattage and lighter or heavier both work. difference is the rate of heat generation.

Just start and expertise. Thanks ujjwaana for the posting.

Hi Folks.... thanks for replying here. Specially Capt (Flyingboxcar), MajRaj etc.

1. Travel iron - ordered. Would be receiving it this week. The travel one would be more handy due to small size, which is close to size of Sealing iron sold for Monokote.
2. MonoKote - would receive in 2 weeks.
3. Guppy2 - Received the DXF plan. Laying out the parts for CNC. Would be visiting the Laser guy once I get the 1mm and 4MM Balsa. (Already got 6mm and 3mm ones).


Would surely update how it went.

Could u pls suggest places wr u can do CNC cutting for balsa as mentioned in ur above post?? the cost too!!

Thanks

@kalupaika: I have talked to two Laser CNC guys in Bangalore and they have asked me to bring the material and the Corel Draw file. They would then give the rates if they can handle the materials. One of the shop is 'S.V. Swamy Industry' near Urvarshi theater, Bangalore.


Update: I received the Iron from E-bay mentioned above. I am quite disappointed with the item. Testing the iron at highest temperature setting, the Plastic part of the Iron began to fume and wilted on the edges. I am returning the Iron to the seller. I would look for better quality travel iron from local store (Bajaj/Phillips quality) else use normal full size Iron.