shaping the foam on a foil keel

[dwbarker]

I have read several posts regarding making a foiled keel for my Compac 16 and have begun the project by making the nose piece for the rudder.  I have read about using a hot wire in the proper shape to cut the foam after it's glued to the rudder.  I understand the principle, but need some help with the practical details:  What kind of wire; what kind of power source, how does the wire retains its shape, ect.?  Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Dan Barker

[Greene]

Glad to hear you are a foil convert.  You won't believe the difference they make to our CP's.  I messed around with a hot wire cutting jig when I made my first foil. (If you search the net a little you will find a few links on how to build them. (Model airplane building sites seem to have the best info)  Yes they do work - no it wasn't worth the effort to make one for 1-2 uses.  I used a Stanley Surform hand plane which worked quickly and easily to rough shape the foil.  To finish the shape I used those handy little sanding blocks they sell at the hardware store for sanding drywall mud.  I'm sure others have used different methods and equipment, but all of them end up with great foiled rudders.

Here is a link to my photos of the foil.  http://s613.photobucket.com/albums/tt211/greene2108/CP16%20NACA-0014%20Foil%20Rudder/

Mike