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Guillows Series 200 - SE5a by David Duckett. Viewed 922 times.
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David Duckett15-Feb-11 07:45
JohnG.15-Feb-11 08:05
Heavy weight silkspan???
David Duckett15-Feb-11 08:13
The only way to fly!
David Duckett03-Feb-16 03:56
To my knowledge, there are three types of silkspan. The stuff Guillows uses in their larger kits is lightweight and made for them by a local paper company. The only source of other silkspan is Brodak which offers light and medium. I have used nothing but heavy grade, excepting the Wright, for my models because simply put, it's tough. The stuff we used for years is no longer available but the medium from Brodak is essentially the same as heavy grade and is what I'm using now. Lightweight is flimsy to start with and doesn't improve when wet so it requires somewhat of a lighter touch. Heavier grades retain their strength when wet and can be handled much easier. Of course, it is heavier but weight is of no concern. A drum tight covering is the goal.In this photo the covering is dry and ready to be trimmed and this is when it gets its first full coat of dope. After that's dry it can indeed be sanded, as Sky said, but I choose to wait until after a second coat is on. I use nothing higher than a 400 grade and 320 works just fine. The idea of sanding silkspan might sound like certain disaster but use a very light touch and all will be well. I will normally put on two more coats of dope before painting.
rayl03-Feb-16 08:12
I just received a shipment of the Brodak medium Silkspan last weekend. I was surprised on how heavy it was. The instructions that are included with each package were very helpful. It sure sucks up a lot of dope, but finishes out great on the one piece that I did. Thanks to DD and Sky for the tutorials the last couple of days: Very helpful. Now to translate the knowledge into actual practice.
BriandKilby03-Feb-16 10:20
dd does applying tissue wet work as well on a skeletal frame as a filled in one?
David Duckett03-Feb-16 10:35
Yes.
hjlittman03-Feb-16 14:02
Even if it's a flying model, whether using silkspan or Esaki tissue, if the structure is strong enough to stand it without warping, wet covering is the only way to go.
BriandKilby03-Feb-16 16:25
thanks for the tip david and hjlittman.
Skyediamonds198503-Feb-16 17:45
Excellent choice of words Mr. DD. Had no idea of the name brands of silkspan other than the Japanese products. I just learned something new from you today. I mentioned 800 wet-n-dry sandpaper because A) it works for me and B) have no idea about Rayl's experience as it will be on an "experimental basis."
Skyediamonds198503-Feb-16 17:48
DD, if you can, could you send me the info on Brodak? Got some news to share with us all. I'll post them on my S.E. 5 build with some pictures.. It's another lesson I learned.
David Duckett04-Feb-16 01:43
Gary: the silk span I sent you with the Fokker DVII is Brodak. If I sent it unwrapped you can find their info by typing Brodak in your search engine.
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