We are going to solder the shaft to the blade. If we make a little dip for the shaft to go in, like this, the solder joint will be stronger and the blade will be more central to the shaft.
The original EeZeBilts came with a very simple tinplate rudder, attached to a length of wire which was bent down to hold the rudder in place. For those who want complete originality, those dimensions are given here
The aim of an EeZeBilt was to introduce beginners to boat modelling - and nowadays that means using a radio. Which is why we have the 50+ range. For the 50+ range, small motors and propshafts are still easily bought, but there are very few suitable miniature rudders readily available. So this page illustrates one way I usually make up the small rudders which I need...
I was using quite thick brass sheet, so I cut the rudder blade out using tinsnips. For thinner tinplate or brass, an old pair of scissors would be fine.
...and cut it in half. A little Dremel disk is ideal, but a junior hacksaw would also do the job...
We start with a bit of brass tube, a rod to fit in it, and a bit of brass sheet. Also, a cheap electrical connector...
The brass rod should be around 1.5mm-2.5mm. The brass sheet from about 0.3 to 0.5mm, depending on the size and strength you want.
But of course the rudder blade must be straight. Put the bent blade in a slightly-opened vice, and straighten the leading and trailing edges with a small hammer.
A quick wave of a gas flame, and the blade will be soldered firmly to the brass shaft.
Here it is, nice and straight. You can see that the shaft sits easily inside the dip.
We are going to use the brass insert from the electrical connector. Cut it out...
Now we need to add a little end patch to the rudder tube.
Small rudder tubes can just be glued in, as opposed to the big ones which are usually held with compression screws. But constant flexing tends to weaken a glue joint. If you make an end patch that gives more area for the glue to hold, and off-loads the sideways forces..
I use a little gas blowlamp, but you could even hold the items with pliers and hold them in a gas cooker flame for a moment. Note the acid flux - that really helps to get the solder sticking...
