JackL

My Feedback: (7)

I'm about to sheet a set of foam core wings for a 40% (120" ) kit, and am looking for suggestions on how to keep a nice straight trailing edge. I'm thinking about putting a .007 x 1" carbon fiber laminate strip on each side of the the trailing edge of the core, then puttng the sheeting on top. I'm trying to avoid a "wavy" or bowed trailing edge that I have seen and add some stiffness to the aileron.

BBW Walt

My Feedback: (11)

I use the polyurethane method for the sheeting. The key is to have a bench that will support the weight needed during the gluing process that is dead flat, and will stay flat supporting the weight, about 300lbs. Instead of carbon strips(which I have done) I drag and leave more glue on the trailing edge of the aileron in the application process. I have had more problems of bowing ailerons during the gluing of the aileron leading edge. After the leading edge is glued and taped a quick eye down the trailing edge will show any errors and I straighten the aileron out against my knee before it sets up..You can always try a dry run with the weight and take a straight edge and check out the flattness of the trailing edge. This will show you what you have going before its too late..One other thing is that I cut a piece of 3/4 particle board the same size as the shuck to go on the foam stack to pile the weight on. This works great for me and others I know..good luck Walt

Mike James

You can use a strip of 1/32" or 1/64" obeche glued between the balsa trailing edge pieces, too. (And, if you're into slotted flaps, you can use the same idea for flap slot lips.)

Pre-fab or homemade fiberglass sheet will work, too.