QuickTalk 1 - Q-TIPS

Cover top of worktable with a sheet of heavy mylar or polyethylene to make it easy to catch and clean up epoxy drips. (Richard Chandos & Neal Current, #399)


We used 1/2" particle board for the cutting templates and find they are very easy to repair with epoxy body putty if you gouged them while cutting them out. Also, it is very easy to insert a nail for the leading edge "tab". (Saylor Milton, #2484)


A cast saw as used by pathologists or orthopedic surgeons is an ideal way of cutting through fiberglass. It oscillates, so is safe, and comes with narrow blades allowing square corners to be neatly made. (Dr. James Massengill, #2269)


We have found that sections of old Venetian blinds about three or four inches long make excellent squeegees for working the epoxy into the cloth. Make sure there are no rough or sharp edges on the metal to cut or tear the cloth. (Dan Wallace, #2310)


Bondo will not hold well at assembly stress points. Flox dabs reinforced at these points keep the pieces in place and can easily be sanded off.

Measure all foam supplies to determine that the measurements fit your working plan instructions or have the plans changes - saves a long distance call to Quickie.

Small plastic paint buckets loaded with small rocks or gravel make excellent adjustable weights for foam cutting. (Marc Herman, #257)


A handy method of holding down foam blocks and other items during construction is to fill some Heavy Duty Zip-lock freezer bags with sand (1 bag holds about 8 lbs.) - no sharp edges - conforms to shape of supporting surface. (Donald Ulrich, #2165)


Stanley makes a 'Surform Shaper' that does a real good job on shaping the polyurethane foam. The Dremel Moto-tool is one of the handiest tools I have for Quickie building. (Jerry Mahurin, #468)


I would just say that the epoxy ratio pump is a "luxury" well worth the coins. I dearly love mine....but I continue to do follow-up quality checks on epoxy samples from all layups. So far, my pump has been faithful.

I thought my hands were tough....but I have developed a fairly mild sensitivity when I slacken up my skin protection. I'm now into plastic gloves and would remind builders to be careful with their skin. (Darrel Aleson, #2045)


An easy way to keep your epoxy warm is to suspend a 10 or 15-watt light bulb inside a cheap Styrofoam ice chest. A little ventilation will vary the temperature. Make sure the bulb does not touch the epoxy bottles or the sides of the chest. (Richard Pettit, #374)


For hotwire straight edges, use two large carpenters squares with holes in them for template nails. This is great for squaring foam blocks on the workbench; they can also be used for template level lines on workbench. (Gary Goodrich, #2257)


A water level can be made using a garden hose and only two 18" sections of clear hose with fittings purchased at any hardware store. Saves buying so much clear hose and the large volume makes for better accuracy.

Start early telling QAC the shortages from Aircraft Spruce and periodically remind them.

Buy antenna foil from a stained glass shop.

Buy peel ply yardage for use on the canard and wing layups...faster and cheaper.

Think ahead and peel ply all areas where future joints will be made to save much sanding time for example, bulkheads, fuel tank, wing, canard, etc.

Don't let the cat sit on a wet layup too long. (Steven MacLeod, #2200)



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