NACA "Clark Y" Leading Edge Sanding tools

When building SMALL balsa models that have Clark-Y airfoils, it can be difficult to get the perfect shape on the leading edge. These handy 3D-printed tools are specifically designed for this purpose!

These sanding tools were specifically designed for the Clark-Y wings in Derek Micko's Fun Scale Models product line, which have a 1/4" balsa leading edge... but they can ALSO be used on other planes that have the same airfoil. PLEASE NOTE the specified thickness & width (Chord) of the wing ribs for each one. They are about 4.75" long (120mm). They have the actual NACA airfoil shape (NACA 2412 is extremely close to a Clark Y).

Derek Micko produced this video demonstrating how to prepare the leading edge on Clark-Y airfoils for straight and tapered wings, and how these special tools are used.

The tool is designed to be used with the wing panel on a flat surface. The bottom side has no sandpaper so it can slide easily and the tool aligns to make the correct shape on the top and bottom of the leading edge.  The top sides of the tool has an additional flat sanding surface which helps with the grip!

The item is sold as one piece. Available in SIX different types to choose from. Since the Corsair uses two tools, they're available as a set as well.

Please take note of the specifications. These tools will work for other planes that have similar-size wing ribs.

• a - FSM Corsair rib W1 - 15% 2415 "Clark Y" (Rib 25mm tall, 168mm chord)
• b - FSM Corsair rib W12 - 15% 2415 "Clark Y" (Rib 20mm tall, 150mm chord)
• c - FSM P-38 rib W1 - 14% 2414 "Clark Y" (Rib 26mm tall, 185mm chord)
• d - FSM Do335 rib W3 - 11.7% 2412 "Clark Y" (Rib 24mm tall, 200mm chord)
• e - FSM HE100 rib W1 - 11.7% 2412 "Clark Y" (Rib 20mm tall, 168mm chord)
• f - FSM Macchi rib W1 - 11.7% 2412 "Clark Y" (Rib 174mm tall, 145mm chord)

The tools come with 120-grit sandpaper attached. Note: the color of the paper may vary depending on the stock that's used. You can remove the paper if needed by applying foam-safe CA activator to dissolve the glue. New sandpaper can be attached using a spray contact cement such as 3M brand "77".

Please see these pictures - prepare the balsa first with a block plane to the approximate shape. Then use a marker to mark the front of the balsa LE stock as an indicator to show when the tool has finished the work. This will help so you don't sand off the front of the LE.

Material: 3D-printed PETG Plastic with 120-grit sandpaper

Size: 120x14mm or 120 x 18mm (about 4.75 inches long x 1/2" wide and 1/2" tall)

Weight: 7-8 grams each (varies depending on the individual design)

NOTE: we also have a set of 3D-printed standard shaping tools and a Centerline Marker/Hinge Slot Tool for installing CA hinges available in 4 sizes! All of these products were originally designed by Rabid Models and Fun Scale Models, Made in the USA, Copyright © 2024.

The custom program we developed can utilize any NACA airfoil and the tool can be adjusted for other wing rib sizes. In order to make a custom tool we would need the actual-size drawing of the wing rib.   Contact us if you're interested!