1) Always inspect components before attaching them with glue to anything else. Once a component is glued, you are pretty much on your own to resolve problems that may occur or be found later. Do a careful check out before gluing anything.

 

2) Most warps are small. Although everyone strives for perfection, a small warp will have minimal impact on the flying characteristics of a model aircraft once you trim the model in flight. Yes, trimming to counter a warp will induce minor drag but we are not flying the space shuttle... it's a model!

 

3) For larger warps or warps that you just feel you must try to fix, use a #11 blade to cut the hinges. Leave the stubs in the leading and trailing edges, just trim them down. Take the warped surface and bend it opposite to the warp and hold it under tension for a minute or so. Let go and see of the warp is still present or comes back over a 10 minute period. If it does not, rehinge and reattach the control surface being careful to align it properly.

 

If the quick de-warping procedure outlined above does not solve your problem, use an iron and heat gun to warm the warped area on both sides without damaging the covering. You want to get the wood warm but not muck up the covering. Once the wood around the warp is warm on both sides, take the warped surface and bend it opposite to the warp so that you have over-corrected the warp by a degree or so. Hold the control surface securely and let it cool completely. Don't relax the dewarping pressure until the control surface is cool. Rehinge and reattach the control surface being careful to align it properly.

 

4) If neither of these two de-warping procedures works for you, please contact Richmond RC Supply Ltd (see our contact info) and open a Priorty Response Ticket or request a return authorisation number by email. Upon receipt we will review the component and follow up with you shortly thereafter.