FT Duster - BUILD

by FliteTest | September 11, 2013 | (50) Posted in How To

FTScratchBuild-Intermediate

 

We're using "The Beef" power/electronics pack from LazerToyz.com. Click HERE for more info!

The Speed Build Kit is available in our web store!

You can also download the plans and scratch build the kit yourself.

FREE Build Plans:
FT DUSTER [ FULL SIZE ]
FT DUSTER [ TILED ]

- Find this article & others like it at www.FliteTest.com -

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COMMENTS

eagle4 on September 11, 2013
Fantastic work, another great design guys. How does this fly with the blue wonder motor? Also what brand is that cordless hot glue gun?
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sailorJohn on September 12, 2013
Walmart sells the similar glue gun that you can unplug and still use foe 5 min, price isn't bad
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LordVader on September 11, 2013
This is Awesome! I love these style planes. A lot like WWII warbirds. Would a 1100 Kv motor with a 8x4 prop work with this? Keep up the great work guys. I am going to build this next. Already built the FT Racer. Awesome, can't get enough. Thanks to all of you.
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flight monkey on September 11, 2013
Hey lordvader, I haven't finished my ft racer, and im about to start the ft duster. Now, im going to use my Turnigy 1100 (2830) motor. I thought it might not have enough thrust,but after testing it, on 2200 3 cell,I got 700 grams thrust on 8x3.8 APC slow fly. Got 980 grams thrust on 10x4.7, but ran kinda hot, so im getting 9x4 prop and I think that will put me in at 800-900 sweet spot! Hope this helps.
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LordVader on September 12, 2013
That's good to hear manaz28. I think I will get some 9x4 props also. I have a couple of 1400 Kv motors, but I want to use the two 1100 Kv motors I have. I will have to post some pics of my builds.
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flight monkey on September 14, 2013
Hey, finally went to hobbyshop. They didnt have any 9x4 props left, so a bought 9x4.7 APC prop. I got 830-840 grams thrust on my 3 cell. Best part is , motor and esc barelygot warm, if that. Id say good enough. Im still pretty sure I would have gotten 900 gram on 9x4 prop. But my goal was to run motor as cool as possible and 800-900 grqms thrust. Id say mission accomplished!
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LordVader on September 18, 2013
I may try the 9x4.7 props. I have seen a lot of posts using that prop. It's good to know that these different props actually do work with the same motor.
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RCairforce on September 11, 2013
Awesome! Does this plane use the same power setup as the Baby Blender?
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NoUsername on September 11, 2013
Love the video and can't wait to by the spped build kit. During the review of the Duster there was reference to usng the 24 gram motor. Will the 24 gram motor work for slower flights instead of the Beef?
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Dennis Hupfield on September 11, 2013
You boys are the best. How would a 1450kv motor do on the crop duster?
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Buk on September 12, 2013
Excellent!
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sailorJohn on September 12, 2013
I like that Josh encouraged you to make a pattern before building incase of mistake or crash, but I would like to see the development process to learn how to build my own designs. Plus it might be a funny video and show how hard these guys work.
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LordVader on September 18, 2013
I second that motion. I would like to see how they go thru the design process to find out what works and what doesn't. Maybe that could be one of their next topics.
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sailorJohn on September 12, 2013
For those of us who have been following the Swappable series Josh has made a newer video on the powerpod with several improvements that address some of the faults in the original design. It appears that the lazier cutter fuses the edges of the foam board, does this make it more durable.
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sailorJohn on September 12, 2013
After the third watch, Josh is becoming very professional, congratulation to the editor , and a very patient camera man.
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twan1997 on September 12, 2013
Yet another great design by Josh Bixler :D One question: In the build episode, you did mention that you'd let us know if the duster can fly off a blue wonder or the 24gram hextronik motor, well can it?
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danield on September 13, 2013
Any reason the wing tips are left open.
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ringo42 on September 13, 2013
It seems to me that with the spar glued in place it would be hard to put in the dihedral. How does that work?
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hbelanger on September 13, 2013
Hi guys

You might not know but I've been an avid builder of your designs and have enjoyed everyone or two of them as I'm teaching a few noobs and go through them rather quickly (loads of fun)

I am however looking for a good trainer as I have a new guy interested and from what I've tested so far none of your designs are really trainers is the Duster suitable for this purpose or should I choose something else ???
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twan1997 on September 13, 2013
but by trainer, you mean a 4 channel trainer? because if you want a 3 channel trainer, then nothing really come close to beating the Ft flyer
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twan1997 on September 13, 2013
or the old fogey
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lostcity on March 12, 2015
FT Flyer is better having flown both
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hbelanger on September 13, 2013
yes looking for a 4ch trainer that is correct ....!
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ibotirama on September 16, 2013
What's the correct lenght of foamboard to make this airplane ?
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suvansh on March 25, 2014
it doesnt matters as long your plans cut out fit on the board, like i made 145% and the plans were not fitting on the board like the wings, so i divided them and cutted them from another piece of board and glued them together and a bit of packing tape too.
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twan1997 on September 16, 2013
well.....the easiest 4 channel would be the duster or the baby blender, otherwise, a bixler or easy star.....just because of the protected motor mount and the fact that they fly perfect without the rudder, so perfect for learning to use the 4th channel
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sailorJohn on September 17, 2013
Dihedral is probably the most important feature if you are fixed on building your planes, next is that they look cool to keep interest ,that equals the sportster version of the Duster that was seen on Ft walk through. Building their own is a good starting point for newbies to give a division between toys and RC models.
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sailorJohn on September 17, 2013
Had to go back to babyblender build plan to learn how to build wing with some of measurements except for spar design. Basic wing build with measurements would make a good video and easier to lookup.
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sailorJohn on September 17, 2013
I see he quit beveling the lower trailing edge but now has notches for their style aileron horns.

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propjet on September 17, 2013
Watched the video for the build, Can you provide info on the finish for Dusty and Ripslinger? I would like to match the paint color or is that low temp film? Super awesome guys, keep up the good work, how about some jets !!
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suvansh on March 25, 2014
they used film on the duster and paint on the slinger!
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cutterp on September 17, 2013
I am going to order this plane but would like to know of an equivalent motor to "the Beef" or the suppo motor that is available from Hobby King? I'd like to order most of my things from one source.

Any help?
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amtpdb1 on September 23, 2013
If you do a glue hinge and they seem a little stiff because you got a little too much glue in the joint, try ironing the glue with a monocote iron. The joint will become very thin and the surface will move a lot better. Ask me how I know!
Thanks for the great plans.
Don
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amtpdb1 on September 23, 2013
What would be a recommended motor from HK or RCtimer for a Beef set up?
Thanks
Don
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jerimiah85 on September 26, 2013
http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__26487__Turnigy_DST_1200_Brushless_Bell_Motor_1200kv_USA_Warehouse_.html


This is what I use on all the ft planes. I used this on my spit as well . I am currently running this on my duster with lots of power. Can't go wrong with it for 6 bucks and they take a beating.
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paulo2775 on August 20, 2014
hi, which prop are you using on it? And are u using a 3S 2200?
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jerimiah85 on August 20, 2014
8043 on 2200 3cell 20c. Good luck
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eugenioaugusto on October 1, 2013
Hey guys, has anyone tried it with a 2s battery?
I am planning to built it and use a EMAX CF2822 1200KV motor with a 10x5 propeller. can anyone give me some tip? will it fly?
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amtpdb1 on October 5, 2013
What linkage adapters are being used to hold the rods? Is there a way to be notified when someone responds to a question on this forum?
Thanks
Don
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amtpdb1 on October 6, 2013
What did they use to make the colors on this plane? I found duct tape but it seems heavy. It does not look like paint. If it is tape, what type and where can I purchase it?
Thanks
Don
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Hell2Go on October 15, 2013
look for 45 micron colored tape on google or ebay, hobby king has it but shipping kills the savings
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Hell2Go on October 12, 2013
Josh, what was the motor, esc, prop, and battery setup you had in the duster that you used to tow the sailplane up in the end of the test flite video, thanks!
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amtpdb1 on October 12, 2013
It would be nice to have a finishing video for the build planes. Some of us need a little more help then is shown in the videos!
Thanks
Don
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Hell2Go on October 15, 2013
look for a video on minwaxing planes and painting foamboard, they cover it well
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amtpdb1 on October 12, 2013
Does anyone know where to post that someone at FlightTest might read them?
Thanks
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Hell2Go on October 15, 2013
I;ve asked at every contact link they have to no avail... maybe they are too busy designing the next plane to respond to anybody.
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Hell2Go on October 15, 2013
I 've also noticed that in all the postings that I've read that the guys never post anything! makes me sad... ;-(

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stonekap on October 16, 2013
Sorry guys - It's impossible for us to respond to every question. We try to post as much content as we can. Beyond that, we have a wonderful team in the forum that helps answer just about anything you ask.
Thank you for being a part of our community!
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amtpdb1 on October 16, 2013
Thank you for answering. It would have been nice that when you did reply, you answered some of the questions we did post. The forum can't answer questions about things that were not stated (motor size used or what ever) as they were not there and involved in the project as flown in the video. The only thing the forum can do is guess and no one asked for a guess, rather a definitive answer to a pointed question. Sorry that it appears that Flitetest seems to be going the way of all expanding business and forgetting Chad's stated intention for its concept.
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Hell2Go on October 21, 2013
after coating with minwax or any polyurethane ( that you've tested on scrap) thats not water based, you want one that says "clean up with mineral spirits", you can spray paint it with regular spray paint. the best one I found so far is made by krylon and has a funny shaped cap and says indoor/outdoor use. it sprays great and covers well 1 to 2 coats and done!
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amtpdb1 on October 23, 2013
Thanks I will have to try it. I did get ahold of some minwax that is not water clean up. I have not tried it yet- got to find the time!
Thanks again.
Don
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janssene on November 12, 2013
Hi Guys, needs some advice.

Build the Duster using 6mm depron. All fine.

I'm running from an 1800 3S battery with a 2830 1300kv motor. It is swinging an 8x4 prop.

I dont have the landing gear so i am trying to hand lauch. I have a hard time keeping the plane in the air. Any suggestions?
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NoUsername on December 1, 2013
Has anyone tried using the 24 gram motor Yet?
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Resern on February 17, 2014
At the specs for this plane, they do say that it will weight about 300 grams. And the blu wonder have 400 grams of thrust, so I think it will work. I am going to build one with a 24 motor very soon, so i can let you know then
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Jrtubb on January 17, 2014
Thanks, I built it and it actually flew pretty good!
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giuliano on February 10, 2014
Hey Josh, great job. I am building one for my two 5 year old twins boys and they are having fun doing it. I am using the video for reference on how to build it and I noticed you control the elevator with what for most of the people would be the rudder control, are you doing that on purpose :)
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suvansh on March 25, 2014
he was just checking, real quick. thats all.
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tlar633 on February 27, 2014
Sent the guys this question. I notice that on page 4 of the plans the end of the fuse is 2.5 inches (the top one) and the same cut on the bottom fuselage is 2 inches. Is this correct? If so I am confused!
Would like to resolve this before I order motor battery etc.

Thanks
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tlar633 on February 27, 2014
Looked more closely. The program that FliteTest used to tile cuts off part of the left fuselage (entire bottom of page (top of left fuselage)). Solution is to print two copies of pages 1-4 and cut out one of the right hand fuselage sides and tape it in place of the bottom (left) one.

OR Print the untiled version in the poster mode of Adobe print. Uses more paper but that's OK.
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Tony McArthur on March 7, 2014
hi all. just wondering what the CG is on this plane, there are no markings on the plans that i can see. can anyone help me with this please?? Thank you :D
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jfrabat on March 12, 2014
Should be right where the spar is, according to the video.
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suvansh on March 25, 2014
to double check the cg go for the 30-33% from the leading edge.

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jfrabat on March 12, 2014
I just thought I'd drop a line to let you know that this is a GREAT idea. I had been out of the hobby for a couple of years (well, a good bit more than "a couple", but who's counting, right?!), and this plane has brought me into the hobby once again. I just finished building mine with my son, and the only sad part is that we are now waiting for my new radio to arrive (the battery had leaked in my Futaba 8U, so it's pretty much dead now!), and my son is desperate to see it in the air! I will try to post some pictures of mine if I can (covered it in vinyl with printed stickers and eyes). Keep up the good work!
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jfrabat on March 12, 2014
By the way, this airplane will be flying in Central America (Panama)... Not sure if it's the first time one of your models will fly in this part of the world, but just thought you'd like to know!
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franc on March 30, 2014
Thanks for the great design and free plan. Built one for my grandson, and can't wipe the smile from his or my face after flying it
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rusirurn on June 22, 2014
Thanks for the great design and free plan.
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Floridarc on July 18, 2014
How do you get Planes?
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nmira10 on August 16, 2014
you guys need to do the new dusty from planes fire and rescue
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orange picker on September 19, 2014
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__12920__D2826_10_1400kv_Brushless_Motor.html

will this work well ?
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orange picker on September 25, 2014
mine flys like a home sick angel

(well better than a home sick demon right?)
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butch.bohrer on October 13, 2014
This was the 1st video of flitetest & got hooked on foamies !!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm a old-timer scratch builder from the 60s that likes new ideas & new challenges !! Right now I'm building the Storck that came in two days ago & I "LOVE" it !!!!! Flitetest guys I can't wait till it's in the air! Thanks a bunch for a "GREAT" design . B.B.
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bluejett on November 8, 2014
I got my Duster all done, just waiting on the battery and then its off to the field. I used a more conventional canopy design and two small earth magnets to secure the canopy. Looks pretty cool. I can't wait to get it airborne. I finished the Delta as well and almost done with the Mustang. Waiting on some servo extensions. Looking towards the FT-22 Raptor and some MINIS next. You guys are really awesome! You've given me a reason to live, lol.
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cj_ace5 on November 8, 2014
How many sheets of foam board?
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mo-em on December 28, 2014
Hey guys, has anyone tried it with 2200mAh 3S 20C Lipo Pack?
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flying pig on March 9, 2015
yall need to design a bomber
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Alans271 on January 22, 2016
I have printed the plans, what is the best way to transfer them onto the foam board
Thanks
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Yosby on February 29, 2016
Hi,

I think that sticking on the foam board with spray glue !
How thick to foam board 3 or 5 mm ?
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upholsterbob on March 8, 2016
I have trouble with mine tip stalling. The ailerons seem very touchy.
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skycrypter on May 10, 2016
hi
i cant open
FT DUSTER [ FULL SIZE ]
FT DUSTER [ TILED ]
plan
thanks
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Keaton on June 16, 2016
Hi

What power pack could you use on this aircraft?

Thanks

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bchasseur on June 28, 2016
Hi, sorry but the link to "The Beef" power/electronics pack from LazerToys is broken.
Can you recommend another pack ?

Thanks
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Mehar Brar on August 2, 2016
Hey guys! I finished cutting out the plans and I assembled my wing. I ran out of hot glue sticks sadly😔. So I am going to finish it tomorrow can't wait!!! Thx for the great design guys hope I don't crash😂
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bryanlmills on February 2, 2017
ok hey guys I downloaded ur plans and I noticed ur speed build is different then the plans u have I try to print it off an pages 2 and 4 are different they don't match whats going on any help would be great thanks

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Sammey on September 30, 2018
I’ve built plenty of balsa kits and was really looking forward to this one unfortunately the build video is way too sketchy, goes way too fast and assumes too much, resulting in me ruining the kit. Great idea guys but let down by the build instructions.
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