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Assembling a wood ARF (Almost-Ready-to-Fly) model is one of the more rewarding steps you can take in your RC flying journey. While not as plug-and-play as foam models, wood ARFs offer notably better flight performance, longevity, and realism. That said, they do require a different mindset—and a slightly expanded toolset.

This guide outlines the essential tools and accessories you'll want on hand to make your first wood ARF build smooth, efficient, and enjoyable.

Core Assembly Tools These are your day-one essentials. Nearly every wood ARF will require these:

1. Hobby Knife (with #11 Blades)
Your go-to for trimming covering film, making fine adjustments, and general cutting tasks. Always keep spare blades on hand for clean, accurate cuts.

2. Razor Saw
Essential for making clean, straight cuts through hardwood blocks or thicker ply sections where a hobby knife won't suffice.

3. Hex Drivers / Allen Wrenches (Metric & SAE)
Servo screws, pushrod connectors, and many kit parts use hex hardware. A quality hex driver set will save time and prevent stripped heads.

4. Screwdrivers (Phillips & Flathead)
For mounting hardware, gear components, cowls, and other assemblies. Use magnetic-tipped drivers when possible.

5. Ruler and Deflection Measuring Tool
Used for control surface setup, pushrod lengths, servo alignment, center of gravity (CG) checks and ensuring any building elements are installed square and straight.

6. Masking Tape or Painter’s Tape
Great for temporarily holding parts in position while gluing or aligning. Also handy for marking symmetry.

Adhesives and Gluing Tools These form the backbone of a solid airframe. Don’t skimp here.

7. Medium & Thin CA (Cyanoacrylate)
Perfect for quick, strong bonds on plywood and balsa. Thin CA soaks in for internal strength; medium is easier to control for surface joints.

8. 15–30 Minute Epoxy
Used where maximum strength is needed—such as firewall installation, glueing tails, or gear mounts.

9. Wood Glue (e.g., Titebond or aliphatic resin)
Excellent for hinge point-style hinges and other joints where CA isn’t ideal and you want more working time than epoxy. Provides strong, rigid bonds with more working time for precise alignment.

10. Canopy Glue
Designed for clear plastics, canopy glue dries clear and flexible—ideal for attaching windshields, windows, or bubble canopies without fogging or damaging the material and easily cleaned up with water.

11. Epoxy Mixing Cups, Sticks & Brushes
Clean application is key. Small mixing kits keep things tidy and precise.

12. CA Applicator Tips & Accelerator
Helps apply glue exactly where you want it. Accelerator is great when you need a fast cure.

Alignment & Covering Tools Get everything square, smooth, and flight-ready.

13. Small Carpenter’s Square or Set Square
Critical for ensuring tail surfaces are aligned perfectly. Even a few degrees off can have an effect.

14. Servo Tester or Centering Tool
While it’s best to setup the servos using the intended receiver and radio, a servo tester lets you center and test servos without it. Useful for pre-setting servos before installing horns and linkages.

15. Covering Iron or Heat Gun
Vinyl film sometimes lifts or wrinkles during storage. A low-temp covering iron seals edges and keeps your model looking sharp.

Optional but Highly Recommended These tools speed things up and improve the finish quality.

16. Power Drill and Small Drill Bit Set
Used for drilling servo mounting holes, gear mounts, control horn locations, or hinge points. A must-have when pre-drilled holes aren’t included or precise positioning is required.

17. Rotary Tool (e.g., Dremel)
Great for removing unwanted materials when custom fitting is required, sanding tight spaces, or modifying mounts.

18. Clamps
Clamps help hold parts in place as glue dries keeping your hands free to work on other parts of the model assembly.

Final Thoughts: Your First Wood ARF Build Starts Here

Having the right tools on hand will make your first wood ARF assembly far more enjoyable. Instead of struggling through alignment, linkage fitment, or covering issues, you’ll move confidently from step to step.

And remember: with each wood ARF assembly comes greater opportunities for learning and growth in the hobby and a closer connection to how your aircraft flies.

Looking to get started? Motion RC offers a full range of Nexa and Black Horse Models wood ARFs along with many of the tools listed above. Having the right gear is your first step toward a smoother, truer flying experience.

Wood ARF Tool Checklist (.PDF)