Frequently Asked Questions 2014/06
Eze-Kote laminating and finishing resin (Q592)
Q: I’ve heard of a resin that can adhere fiberglass cloth to a balsa structure. The claim is that it is also useful as a finishing resin, and best of all, it can be cleaned up with water. No solvent is necessary. Can you provide any information about this product?
A: The product is Eze-Kote laminating and finishing resin, manufactured by Deluxe Materials (United Kingdom) and distributed in the U.S. by Horizon Hobby.
- Classification: laminating and finishing resin intended for balsa- and foam-constructed models.
- Packaging: single-component; used straight from a 500 ml bottle.
- Properties: water-based, practically odorless; easy cleanup with water.
- Use: brush onto balsa and lightweight glass cloth to create a tough, ding- and fuel-resistant film. Sandable and paintable after approximately 20–30 minutes.
- Price: about $20–$23 per bottle.
Deluxe Materials offers a broader product line including:
- glass-fiber laminating fabric (four weights)
- foam-safe glues
- covering film adhesive
- foam and balsa fillers
- Eze-Dope (shrinks tissue covering)
- odorless CA cement
- glue buster (debonder)
- microballoon filler
Deluxe Materials representatives had a booth at this year’s Weak Signals Toledo R/C Expo.
TIP 593: Doculam (Clear-film)
In the April 2012 issue of MA, a detailed reference was given to a covering material known as Doculam, or Clear-film. It is available only in clear, but it can be painted and is inexpensive.
- Source: Oregon Laminations Company.
- Typical price (previously noted): 500-foot roll, 1.5 mil thermal roll glossy film, 25-inch width — about $45 plus shipping.
- Reader report: Ralph Anderson purchased a 9-inch-wide roll (500 feet) for $11 plus $5.95 shipping. The website defaults to a two-roll purchase but you can change the quantity. Shipping is approximately four days.
- Use: A 9-inch roll works for models with wing chords up to about 8 inches (park-flyer size). One roll can last a long time; the material retains adhesion and shrink properties over many years.
Thanks to Ralph Anderson for the update.
AirBug Hovercraft (Q594)
Q: Can you tell me more about a new and very popular EPP foam-constructed hovercraft that is available in kit form?
A: The AirBug Hovercraft is an EPP foam kit suited to indoor RC sessions and racing.
- Supplier: FatFlyer (United Kingdom).
- Kit price: approximately $32.50 plus shipping; quantity purchases can reduce price.
- Power (not included): separate 3,000 Kv 9-gram brushless motor, driven by a 2-cell (2S) 450 mAh LiPo battery.
- Supplier support: FatFlyer can supply required supporting equipment.
- Operation: a shrouded propeller deflects air partially downward, causing the AirBug to hover roughly 3 mm above the floor. Control is via twin rudders and motor throttle.
- Note: Racing videos show these are a lot of fun. See the FatFlyer website in Sources.
Follow-up to Q586
Cal Orr successfully converted an old Kraft Systems dual-stick RC transmitter to operate on 2.4 GHz spread spectrum by modifying the original Kraft synthesized transmitter module. He has since modified a Kraft Signature single-stick transmitter. A photo was included, and Cal’s contact is listed in Sources for anyone who wants detailed information.
SOURCES
- Deluxe Materials
info@deluxematerials.com www.deluxematerials.com/aeromodelling.html
- Horizon Hobby
(800) 338-4639 www.horizonhobby.com
- Oregon Laminating Company
(800) 574-9814 www.oregonlam.com
- FatFlyer
- Cal Orr
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
