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How to Build Fiberglass RC Plane Skis

Building fiberglass skis for your RC airplane can be a good way to keep flying through the winter and learn about fiberglass construction. Fiberglass is a lightweight, strong material commonly used for aircraft parts. You can produce simple fiberglass parts such as skis with common tools.

Things You'll Need

Fiberglass cloth
Epoxy
Wood
Sheet metal
Mold release or spray lubricant
Small disposable paintbrush
Drill
Sandpaper
Dust mask
Rubber gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Bend the end of a small piece of sheet metal so that it is shaped like the cross section of a ski.
- 2
  Cut pieces of fiberglass cloth in the shape of the skis. For small to medium airplanes, cut two pieces for each ski. For large airplanes (above .60 size), cut three pieces for each ski.
- 3
  Cut a small block of wood for each ski. The block should be large enough to hold the landing gear strut about 3/8 inch above the surface of the ski. Cut two small pieces of fiberglass cloth for each ski, large enough to cover the block and extend about 1/2 inch off of each side.
- 4
  Coat the mold with mold release agent or spray lubricant. Lay down a piece of fiberglass cloth in the mold. Mix some epoxy according to the package instructions and apply a small amount to the cloth. Brush the epoxy in so that it soaks into the entire piece of cloth.
- 5
  Place the second layer of cloth on top of the first and brush it with epoxy. Repeat with the third layer if you will be adding one. Place a wood block in the center of the ski and cover it with one of the small pieces of fiberglass cloth. Brush the cloth with epoxy and press the cloth down against the block and surrounding ski area. Place the second small cloth over the block and brush that cloth with epoxy as well.
- 6
  Repeat steps 3 through 5 for the remaining skis. Allow the epoxy to fully cure.
- 7
  Sand the edges of the skis smooth. Drill a hole through the wood block in each ski to fit the landing gear.

Aviation