AR-6 Construction Thread
06-16-2013, 06:48 AM
#156
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Fritch,
TX
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: AR-6 Construction Thread
The following pictures shows getting ready for vacuum bagging the wing between layers of peel ply (lightweight nylon fabric).
A small amount of finishing epoxy was applied with a squeegee and peel ply (for hinges) was tacked in place.
1.6 ounce fiberglass cloth is used exclusively. Four widths of fiberglass cloth were tacked in place at the center section.
A small amount of finishing epoxy was applied with a squeegee and peel ply (for hinges) was tacked in place.
1.6 ounce fiberglass cloth is used exclusively. Four widths of fiberglass cloth were tacked in place at the center section.
06-16-2013, 06:55 AM
#157
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Fritch,
TX
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: AR-6 Construction Thread
A piece of peel ply was cut large enough to cover the entire wing.
A piece of 4 mil thick tarp was cut larger than the peel ply.
The vacuum pump was tested.
A piece of 4 mil thick tarp was cut larger than the peel ply.
The vacuum pump was tested.
06-16-2013, 07:01 AM
#158
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Fritch,
TX
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: AR-6 Construction Thread
About 1.5 ounces of finishing epoxy was mixed. I add a cap of 91% alcohol to the mix to thin it out. About half is drizzled to the top left surface. Squeegee as needed to spread out the mix. Turn the wing over and apply the remaining to the bottom left surface.
Repeat the process for the other side of the wing.
Peel ply is placed on top of the wing. The wing is then turned over and peel ply is wrapped over the remaining surface.
The wing is then laid down on the plastic tarp. Rope is then wrapped around the parameter of the wing. The vacuum pump tube and ropes are taped in place. A bead of latex caulking is spread around the outside edges of the plastic tarp as needed to seal the edges. The edges are folded over and the latex caulking is smashed to seal the edges.
The wing and bag are placed between the wing shucks. Insure the wing is lined up on the shucks. I placed a few quarts of paint on top to hold parts in place.
Turn on the pump to apply the vacuum on the wing. The finishing epoxy typically dries in about 8 to 24 hours.
Repeat the process for the other side of the wing.
Peel ply is placed on top of the wing. The wing is then turned over and peel ply is wrapped over the remaining surface.
The wing is then laid down on the plastic tarp. Rope is then wrapped around the parameter of the wing. The vacuum pump tube and ropes are taped in place. A bead of latex caulking is spread around the outside edges of the plastic tarp as needed to seal the edges. The edges are folded over and the latex caulking is smashed to seal the edges.
The wing and bag are placed between the wing shucks. Insure the wing is lined up on the shucks. I placed a few quarts of paint on top to hold parts in place.
Turn on the pump to apply the vacuum on the wing. The finishing epoxy typically dries in about 8 to 24 hours.
06-16-2013, 04:12 PM
#159
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Fritch,
TX
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: AR-6 Construction Thread
The finishing epoxy was dry after 8 hours of 90F weather. Here are some pictures showing what the wing looks like after removal from the peel ply:
06-17-2013, 07:07 PM
#161
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Fritch,
TX
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: AR-6 Construction Thread
The peel ply I'm using is basically for one time use. It's just cheap shinny nylon or nylon-polyester fabric.
Excess finishing epoxy flows through fabric and is on the backside of the surface.
Excess finishing epoxy flows through fabric and is on the backside of the surface.
06-22-2013, 09:34 AM
#167
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Fritch,
TX
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: AR-6 Construction Thread
The dark area in the area of the ailerons is brown nylon fabric (peel ply).
It is between the wood and top layer of fiberglass cloth.
It will function as the hinge after the ailerons are made. A white fabric would have worked better, but this is what I had.
It is between the wood and top layer of fiberglass cloth.
It will function as the hinge after the ailerons are made. A white fabric would have worked better, but this is what I had.
06-22-2013, 11:16 AM
#168
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Fritch,
TX
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: AR-6 Construction Thread
Approximately 4.5 ounces of white epoxy Klass Kote primer was mixed. This was allowed to sit about 20 minutes.
An equal volume of lacquer thinner was added to the Klass Kote. This was then sprayed on the wing with a full size air gun.
An equal volume of lacquer thinner was added to the Klass Kote. This was then sprayed on the wing with a full size air gun.
06-22-2013, 02:55 PM
#169
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Fritch,
TX
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: AR-6 Construction Thread
The primer was lightly sanded with 220 grit paper used dry.
Use a tack rag to remove the dust from the surface of the wing.
The wing was then sprayed with Acrylic Enamel paint.
Later Note: If done again I would sand off more primer. I left too much on the wing and it was a little heavier than desired.
Use a tack rag to remove the dust from the surface of the wing.
The wing was then sprayed with Acrylic Enamel paint.
Later Note: If done again I would sand off more primer. I left too much on the wing and it was a little heavier than desired.
06-23-2013, 02:06 PM
#170
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Fritch,
TX
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: AR-6 Construction Thread
The wing was wet sanded (to remove dust and runs) and touched up in a couple places.
I like the disposable paint brush shown in the picture. I just touch up areas and throw away the bottle. They are 5 for about $10 at Harbor Freight.
I like the disposable paint brush shown in the picture. I just touch up areas and throw away the bottle. They are 5 for about $10 at Harbor Freight.
06-24-2013, 05:12 PM
#171
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Fritch,
TX
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: AR-6 Construction Thread
The following shows how to easily mask off and paint stripes and numbers.
Vinyl stencils were purchased locally.
Gloss black Krylon spray paint works great and dries quickly. I will later follow with a coat of automotive clear coat.
Vinyl stencils were purchased locally.
Gloss black Krylon spray paint works great and dries quickly. I will later follow with a coat of automotive clear coat.
Make it go!!
06-25-2013, 04:03 PM
#175
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Fritch,
TX
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: AR-6 Construction Thread
The best case is to spray clear coat tonight and finish radio installations on this model and AJ-2 on Wednesday.
I'm hoping to travel on Thursday to Goddard (Wichita) and make some test flights.
I'm hoping to travel on Thursday to Goddard (Wichita) and make some test flights.