I have been working through the electrical and pneumatic stuff for the last week or so. I have a functional targeting system and trigger system is working also. I have sanded down the layer lines and put a thin layer of paint that bonds to the plastic well into the hull. Working on sheeting the sides and getting the paint started.
I soak the balsa in Windex for about an hour first. Be careful to get the og Windex - it is the ammonia that breaks down the wood fiber strength.
get good balsa. Softer balsa is better at curving around those tight bends. I've seen a few people try soaking in windex, but I wouldn't recommend it. The balsa becomes brittle afterwards, and chunks badly when hit. When I'm balsa shopping, I test every single sheet at the hobby shop and only pick a few of the softest sheets. When ordering online, I order the lightest density I can get, ideally competition-grade. The quality makes a difference.
Well... There is wood on it haha. This process will take some practice for sure. I set the balsa over gorilla tape like Justin suggests so I can rip this off quick and do it again when I get tired of how ugly it is. Thanks for the tips on bending this stuff!!
A little primer after a quick sand. Not to self, 60 grit versus balsa, just a touch more aggressive than required.
A small splash of paint and finally a pressurized and holding pneumatic system. This regulator tested at 155-158 on my Chinese gauges. Close enough?
