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How to Glue Balsa Wood for RC Planes

Balsa wood, a very light wood commonly used in model aircraft, requires the use of semi-specialized glue, as well as certain gluing techniques to ensure that a plane will hold together in flight. Remote-control (RC) airplanes are put under extreme forces when flying, and must be assembled with great care to ensure they last as long as possible. Always take care when using powerful glues to keep them away from your eyes and skin.

Things You'll Need

Sandpaper
Balsa wood airplane kit
Cyanoacrylate glue
Baking soda

Instructions

- 1
  Sand the edges of the balsa wood airplane model square and flat where you plan to join pieces together.
- 2
  Clean the edges. Ensure both surfaces you plan to glue are free of any dust or debris and are as clean as possible.
- 3
  Apply a few drops of liquid glue along the edge of one piece, then hold it against the other. Hold it in place against the mating piece for one minute to allow the glue to lightly set.
- 4
  Drip a line of glue along the seam where the two pieces meet. Don't apply so much glue that it begins to drip, as this will increase weight and require further sanding.
- 5
  Sprinkle a little baking soda over the glue you applied. Baking soda acts as an accelerant, forcing the glue to cure rapidly and become quite hard.
- 6
  Sand the rough glue surfaces using a folded piece of 600- or 800-grit sandpaper.

Aviation