(Contributed - by Dick Stafford  - 09/20/09)

Brief:
This is a simple cardstock saucer with a unique 7-sided design. I got the basic pattern and instructions from Instructables.com (with a hat tip to Kiteman)

Construction:
This project required 2 sheets of cardstock and a short 1 1/8" piece of BT-50. If you are a purist, you could roll your own motor mount with the leftover cardstock.

1. I downloaded the .pdf format patterns from the web site shown above.

2. I printed two copies on light card stock - the decorated version for the top of the saucer and a blank one for the bottom.

3. The top was cut and scored as instructed. It was easier to form than I expected. The results are shown in the right of the top photo.

4. The bottom is folded differently than the top and is shown on the left of the top photo. Although I scored all the dotted lines, I didn't need to score the inner circumferential path.

5. I then flipped the bottom over and glued it to the top. I used a light coat of white glue along the connecting surfaces and a bead along the valley fold on the top piece. The second photo shows the result. I let the glue fully dry before proceeding.

6. The saucer seems a little flimsier than an Art Applewhite 24mm card stock saucer due to the weight of the card stock I had on hand. I decided to go for 24mm anyway. I laid a section of tubing over the top and bottom peaks, marked the perimeter, and cut the holes with an Exacto knife.

7. I then glued the tube in and applied a heavy fillet on top and bottom. This photo shows the result next to an Art Applewhite 24mm Super Cinco.

Finishing:
No finishing is required. A clear coat will make the model more durable.

Construction Rating: 4 out of 5

Flight:

I flew the saucer on a D12-0 with a masking tape thrust ring. Oh wait, there was a problem, where does the launch rod go? I hadn't cut the holes for the launch rod so I whipped out my Leatherman and cut two small triangles on the top and bottom next to the motor mount.

It weather cocked a little and had a distinct wobble. In my experience, a wobble is not uncommon for polygon-shaped saucer designs. I'd say this flies about the same as the Art Applewhite Cinco.

Flight Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:
The main pro's for this design is that it is almost free and flies well. It would also fly well on 18mm motors. I don't think it is as durable as an Art Applewhite saucer, but if it breaks you can always make another.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5