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TIPS |
SOURCE OF PLYWOOD
by Frank Wilhite
Depending on your project, every now and then you need to use plywood in making your model. I found a local source of exceptional plywood. All the plys are hardwood (birch) and are glued together with waterproof glue so that the plywood can be considered "exterior" grade. All of the plys are also "clear", that means no knots or voids like you find in the usual plywood. The plywood is made in Finland in thicknesses of 1/64" to 1 1/8" and is available in panels from 48" X 48" to 48" X 96" depending on the thickness. This plywood is far superior to the I' X 3' pieces I've seen in RC Airplane specialty hobby shops and is cheaper. The sheets are priced by the number of plys and sheet size and run from $19 to $134 per sheet. You can buy it by the sheet at Andersen International Trading, 1171 N. Tustin Ave., Anaheim, (just north of 91 freeway - Tustin Ave. exit), (714) 666-8183.
TRANSFERRING PATTERNS TO WOOD
by Frank Wilhite
There are several ways to transfer patterns of carvings, designs, etc. to wood for sawing out (or carving) using a scroll saw or jewelers saw. You can use a carbon to trace the pattern, glue the pattern directly to the wood, use knife to cut the shape into the wood, etc. I've never liked any of these methods for one reason or another. What I've always wanted was a way to transfer the pattern copy directly to the wood. Now there is a tool that can do just that !!! It can transfer any photocopied or laser printed pattern directly to wood using heat. The only problem is that the transferred pattern is a mirror image, but that's solved by making a transparency copy first then flipping it over to make the transfer copy. You can buy this "Transfer Tool", item no. 910-507, from Woodworker's Supply 1(800) 645-9292 for about $20.