Materials..... 1/16 lite ply v.s. 1/8 balsa
08-26-2009, 01:21 PM
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Materials..... 1/16 lite ply v.s. 1/8 balsa
Dear Brothers:
I am considering using 1/16 lite ply instead of 1/8 balsa for wing skins. Lite ply to be attached via vacuum bagging. Thoughts please.
Thanks all!
M0f0sheee
I am considering using 1/16 lite ply instead of 1/8 balsa for wing skins. Lite ply to be attached via vacuum bagging. Thoughts please.
Thanks all!
M0f0sheee
08-26-2009, 04:37 PM
#2
RE: Materials..... 1/16 lite ply v.s. 1/8 balsa
I suggest weighing a piece of the ply and the same size piece of balsa. I think you will find the balsa is lighter.
A lot depends on what you are trying to do and what type of framework you are skinning.
If you have a built up framework for the wing I would think SEVERAL times about bagging it as the pressure from the vacuum may damage the framework. If these are foam core wings bagging is no problem.
If you are concerned about weight, consider using 1/16" balsa over foam and 3/32" over an open framework. If you are not going to glass the wing and are concerned about dings go with 1/32" ply over foam cores - on an open framework I would stick with balsa.
These are just my thoughts/opinions about it.
A lot depends on what you are trying to do and what type of framework you are skinning.
If you have a built up framework for the wing I would think SEVERAL times about bagging it as the pressure from the vacuum may damage the framework. If these are foam core wings bagging is no problem.
If you are concerned about weight, consider using 1/16" balsa over foam and 3/32" over an open framework. If you are not going to glass the wing and are concerned about dings go with 1/32" ply over foam cores - on an open framework I would stick with balsa.
These are just my thoughts/opinions about it.
