Ergoflier

I'll be sheeting my first ever set of foam core wings. Is it ok to sheet one side of the cores at a time, letting them cure completely in their weighted down shucks and then sheet the other side? Logic says this should not introduce any warping but I just wanted to be sure. Thanks.

TLH101

My Feedback: (90)

It will be ok if you use the shucks and a weight, but I don't undrstand why you would want to do one side at a time.

Ergoflier

Thanks for your response, Terry. I am setting up for what-if's. With kids homework, their extra curricular activities, honey-do's and such, I don't know how much time I can commit in a continuous sitting to working on the aircraft. Maybe that is a bad strategy but I just wanted to "chip" away at this building process...you know...get a little done at a time...can't quite get much time to build anymore.

LSP972

My Feedback: (13)

Ergoflier, I just finished a Kougar, which was my first foam wing. I wasn't sure at all of what I was doing with that polyurethane glue, so I did one side at a time on the first half. No problems at all.

The trick is have a UNIFORMLY FLAT surface for the shucks to sit on. I used my two pieces of UltraCote-cutting glass; one above and one below. The weights, government ammunition cans filled with 9mm ammo, sat on top of the upper piece of glass.

All in all, a sheeted foam wing is very nice. It was somewhat of a PITA to do, since I was sorta feeling my way along. But when the time came to sand and cover, man, what a piece of cake. I wouldn't hesitate to do another one. I think the vacuum-bag deal is the way to go, but requires an equipment investment.

Ergoflier

Thanks for your response, Steve. I will make sure I have a nice flat surface to work on...and lots-a weight...no ammo type stuff like you do though <grin>. I kinda figured it'll be a PITA to do, hence my question. Take care.

dicknadine

this works real good if your just going to use a flat sheet-- it will not bend to a curve. works ok on bottom of wing but NOT the top surface, where the curve is. curve the foamcore to shape first, then glue balsa to it. when glue is cured, sand out minor irregularitiesof balsa top surface. dick

LSP972

My Feedback: (13)

Not really sure what you're referring to, Dick. The Kougar has a fully symmetrical wing. The shucks are flat on top bottom; therefore, the need for a flat surface to evenly distribute the weight while the skins cure to the cores.

branded

My Feedback: (9)

? Huh?

Yep, and once you use vacuum bagging you'll never consider doing it any other way!