Top Tips for Building the FT Edge

by FliteTest | July 23, 2018 | (8) Posted in Tips

The FT Edge is out in the wild. If you're going to be building one, here are some additional tips to help you get your bird in the air!

Although it may look a little intimidating, like all of our Flite Test kits, the FT Edge goes together without the need for special building boards, complex tools or a dedicated workshop. Having said that, there are a few extra things that will help take your Edge build to the next level. 

Get yourself an Edge!


Build Video

Before jumping into these tips, if you haven't seen the video yet, here's the instructional tutorial for the FT Edge. You'll see from the fuselage section of the build that this RC airplane has been designed from the inside out to give you a completely solid airframe structure. 




Tip 1. Have a great hot glue gun

There are not many reasons why you shouldn't own a great hot glue gun - they're so essential for building foam planes! There is one main quality one must have: the glue must stay liquid long enough to do large sections in one go, such as when it comes to wings. Not all glue guns have been designed to do this as some prioritize making the glue dry as quickly as possible. If you're looking for an upgrade, check out the glue guns that we use with our special Flite Test blend hot glue sticks designed for foam board. 

Get a glue gun here


Tip 2. Keep scraps of foam handy!

These little scrap pieces of foam board are super valuable when it comes to getting a good finish on your Flite Test aircraft. They can be used to smear out hot glue to get a stronger bond or simply to remove excess that has spilled out of a seam or joint. Try lining them up on your build table when you next need to do a section so that you're always prepared before gluing. 


Tip 3.  Test fit your pieces

To make sure that you're not permanently fixing your components in the wrong places, try test fitting your pieces before you add glue. This way, you can hold your fuselage, wing or formers in place to see if they look right first. If you get into this habit, often you'll be able to catch a mistake before it happens. 


Tip 4. Keep swapping to spare knife blades

This is more of a general tip for scratch builders but, when beveling especially, you'll need to make sure that your knife blade is sharp. If you see or feel your blade catching on the foam as it cuts, swap it out. It'll be a much better experience if it cuts like butter. 

Get some craft supplies here


Tip 5. Sand your parts

To get a truly great finish on your Edge, you might want to sand your airframe. You can round the squarer lines of your fuselage and smooth the corners of your wings. Sanding can also help when it comes to decorating your model, which brings us to the next point.

Sandpaper supplies on the FT Store


Tip 6. Paint your Edge!

As well as making your aircraft look amazing, painting your aircraft can help to take the spotlight of any areas you might have got slightly wrong. If you've got too much glue coming out of a seam line, no one will notice! Your plane will dazzle with style and cover up the imperfections. Also, you can always paint the plane later to cover up any dents or scratches that may appear after ten or twenty flights.

 

We can't wait to see your finished FT Edge's ripping up the sky! Post a picture of yours on the Flite Test Fans Facebook Group. 


Article by James Whomsley

Editor of FliteTest.com

James@whomsley.net

www.youtube.com/projectairaviation

Instagram @jameswhomsley 

COMMENTS

achilles on July 24, 2018
If only there were plans for this plane so i can use this tips ! How much money do you have to make off of the kit before you release the free plans.
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daniel liutan on July 24, 2018
Nothing wrong to earn money by your own effort.
Free is good. But don't get used to it.
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FrancoisS on July 24, 2018
Given the amount of work that goes into the compilation of these plans I am just happy that they are available at all! Thanks FliteTest, you guys are awesome!
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SP0NZ on July 25, 2018
@achilles There is no ulterior motive from Flite Test to withhold the free plans for the FT Edge. The fact of the matter is, it takes time for me to make them, and the Edge was released the week of Flite Fest. I was busy preparing for and attending Flite Fest and did not have the time to complete the plans in time for the release. I should have them done by the end of the week (July 28). Thank you for your patience and understanding.
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gofaster72 on July 25, 2018
Anytime that they are ready is just fine. No doubt they will be even more exceptional than the previous ones you have done. Thank you for your fine work, it is very much appreciated.
R Michael
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lukejackson on July 26, 2018
@SP0NZ dont bother lol. thank you for your work, can't wait to start building, once you release. i personally think it's fine to release free plans later to get some sales going, if you want it free wait for it or make your own. so much entitlement.
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Jaxx on July 25, 2018
@achilles I applaud Sponz for his tactful response to your comment, however it is extremely frustrating to see how you approached this "issue". Please understand that Flite Test does not owe us "free" plans. It's a courtesy/privilege, and should be treated as such.
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SP0NZ on July 26, 2018
Thanks Jaxx.
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Jaxx on July 28, 2018
No brother....Thank you!
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Adman on July 26, 2018
Thank you sponz for your time and effort you put into doing this for all of us that love to scratch build hats off to you
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GremlinRC on July 26, 2018
I just want to also say thanks to SPONZ for all the hard work you do for us. It is always appreciated and I for one will never take it for granted. I second Jaxx's sentiment that free plans are a privilege not a right.
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SP0NZ on July 26, 2018
@Adman and @GremlinRC, thank you for the kind words. I really appreciate it.
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Adman on July 26, 2018
Your very welcome sir sponz
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Smok1n on July 27, 2018
@SPONZ, It was a pleasure to finally get to meet you at FFOH-18. Thanks for your dedication, skill and patience! Building from your plans is hugely rewarding, and I really appreciate what goes into them, having failed miserably at trying to create them myself! Having said that, I enjoy the ease and convenience of the Speed Build kits so much I have almost exclusively switched-over to buying as opposed to scratch building FT planes. I do have masters of my favorites glued to poster board though! ;)
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Top Tips for Building the FT Edge