Top Flite R2420 INSTRUCTION BOOK

ASSEMBLY AND USE

INSTRUCTION BOOKLET

Congratulations on choosing the Top Flite Smart Stripe, the professional way to cut MonoKote

stripes for trimming film-covered models. Once you assemble and use the Smart Stripe for the first time, you'll wonder how you ever got along without one. With a little practice, you'll be cutting trim stripes as narrow as 1/32" with precision and consistency unattainable with a straightedge and hobby knife.

The Smart Stripe can be mounted on your workbench for use, then slid off the attachment screws in seconds if space is limited. Bench mounting is particularly useful when loading the roller, as you can pull the film tight with one hand as you wind it on with the other.

Colors can be quickly changed by preparing several rollers (sold separately) with your favorite shades, or loading more than one color on the roller supplied with your Smart Stripe.

The best part of using MonoKote stripes instead of the sticky-back variety is the satisfaction of knowing your trim scheme won't come off after a few flights. Not only will you have a durable finish, but you’ll also have forty-seven MonoKote colors from which to choose, and an unlimited range of stripe widths.

Top Flite Model Mfg.

3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

Technical Assistance – Call (217) 398-8970, ext. 5

ASSEMBLE THE

SMART

STRIPE

TOOLS REQUIRED

Screwdrivers – Phillips and a small flat blade type 7/16" Wrench or 4-way prop wrench (Great Planes #GPMP2000) Common pliers 6" draftsman's triangle or carpenter's square Flat file Bar soap or paraffin wax Paper towels Electric drill (Optional)

PARTS LIST

NOTE: Some parts will be found under the cardboard insert.

QTY. PART # DESCRIPTION

1 STRP001 BASE 2 STRP002 UPRIGHT 1 STRP003 LEFT BLADE HOLDER 1 STRP004 RIGHT BLADE HOLDER 1 NYLON107 THREADED INSERT 1 HRDWD023 WOOD ROLLER 1 METAL068 DEAD PIN 1 SCRW106 1/4-20 ROLLER KNOB 1 SCRW105 1/4-32 x 8" THREADED SHAFT 1 KNOB001 KNOB FOR THREADED SHAFT 2 SCRW107 4-40 X 3/4" SCREW W/KNOB 2 SCRW102 6-32 X 1/4" SCREW W/KNOB 1 BLADE08 #11 BLADE 2 NUTS002 4-40 HEX NUT 1 NYLON108 1/4" UNTHREADED NYLON

HEX NUT

4 SCRW047 #6 X 1/2" SHEET METAL

SCREW 2 WSHR005 #4 FLAT WASHER 1 SCRW030 1/4-20 X 1" HEX HEAD BOLT 1 STRPP01 INSTRUCTIONS 1 STRPD01 DECAL

A WORD ABOUT SAFETY

Used properly, the Smart Stripe is a safe and dependable tool. However, like a hobby knife, you are dealing with a very sharp, exposed blade. The best way to avoid being cut is to remove the blade when loading the roller or any time you're not using it. We also suggest covering the blade point with a small balsa block when removing the stripes from the roller. Keep the Smart Stripe out of children's reach at all times.

ASSEMBLE THE BLADE HOLDER

NOTE: An exploded view diagram is provided in the center of this booklet for reference while assembling your Smart Stripe.

1. Slide a #4 flat washer onto each of the two 4-40 x 3/4" blade holder screws, then insert the screws through the right half of the blade holder.

2. Install the left half of the blade holder onto the screws.

3. Insert a #11 blade between the blade holders to see how it is supposed to fit, then remove the blade. Please be careful–the blade is sharp, sharp, sharp!

4. Join the blade holder halves together. First insert two 4-40 hex nuts into their retainers on the left half of the blade holder.Then finger tighten the two blade holder screws.

5. Slide the threaded insert through the hole at the back (square) end of the blade holder.

6. Start the 6-32 x 1/4" blade holder alignment screws into the holes at the back of the blade holder, but don't tighten them.

PREPARE THE ROLLER

1. Insert the dead pin into the holes in both ends of the hardwood roller to determine which hole the dead pin can be most easily inserted into and removed from. Make threads in the hole at the opposite end of the roller as explained in the following steps.

2. Use the 1/4-20 x 1" hex head bolt to make threads in the end of the hardwood roller determined

in step #1. A four-way prop wrench works well for this operation. Twist the bolt all the way into the roller until the head contacts the wood, or strong resistance is felt, then remove it.

3. Rub some bar soap or paraffin wax as a lubricant onto the shaft threads of the 1/4-20 roller knob, then screw the knob in and out of the threaded hole to distribute the lubricant. Do not use excessive force when performing this operation to avoid breaking the knob or stripping the threads. If the threads tighten up, remove the screw and add more lubricant. You want this screw to be very easy to install and remove.

FINAL ASSEMBLY

NOTE: The following steps describe assembling the Smart Stripe for right-hand operation. If you are left-handed, simply switch the position of the knobs, hex nut and dead pin from one side to the other.

1. Now is an excellent time to decide where you would like to mount your Smart Stripe. It need not be mounted permanently, but it will help to have it mounted when loading the roller. Position the base where you will mount it, then use a pencil to mark the mounting screw locations on your workbench.

2. Remove the backing from the pressure sensitive decal and apply it to the recessed area in the base as shown on the box cover.

3. Attach the right and left uprights to the base with four #6 x 1/2" sheet metal screws. Notice that the right side is fixed and the left side is adjustable. Tighten the left side screws just enough to hold the upright in position, but still allow it to be moved.

4. Use the roller as a spacer to set the distance between the front and rear uprights, then tighten the screws on the adjustable side. Make sure the uprights are parallel to one another.

5. File or grind a 3/16" wide flat spot 1/16" from one end of the threaded steel shaft.

NOTE: The blade holder should be “broken in” by screwing the threaded shaft through it several times. Turning the threaded shaft with an electric drill works well for this job.

6. Insert the threaded shaft into the hole nearest you in the left hand upright. Verify that the threaded insert is centered, with its tabs overlapping the sides of the right and left blade holder, then thread the shaft through the blade holder assembly. Keep turning until 1-1/2" of thread protrudes out the opposite side of the blade holder. Insert the threaded shaft through the hole in the other upright.

7. Install the small knob on the threaded shaft on the flat spot end. Install the 8-32 x 1/8" Set Screw into the small Knob and tighten.

8. Wrap a thick cushion of paper towels around the threaded shaft to protect the threads, then grip it tightly with pliers. Use a 7/16" prop wrench to thread the nylon hex nut on the end of the shaft as shown. NOTE: This special hex nut is intentionally not threaded. When fully seated, it will remain locked in position. Thread the hex nut onto the shaft until it just touches the upright, to remove any side-play.

9. Hold the roller between the uprights with the threaded hole on the right. Slide the 1/4" dead pin through the left upright into the unthreaded hole in the roller. Insert the roller knob through the right upright, then screw it into the roller until you feel a little resistance.

10. Check your work. Does the roller turn freely without side-play? Does the threaded rod work smoothly, also without side-play?

1/16" 3/16" Threaded Shaft

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