How to join wing panels
01-05-2014, 08:03 AM
#1
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How to join wing panels
I am about to start building a large plane with an 82 inch span that is tapered and swept 25 degrees. It has four engines. I have built it in the past but the wing was one piece. Now, I want to build plug in panels. Since it is swept, I will have to make a center section 12" long on each side. This section has a 12" socket cut into it and the plug in panels have 12" sockets. This allows the tube to run straight into each section. If I tried to plug each panel into the fuse, the socket would not stay in the wing due to the 25 degree sweep.
Given the above, what is a good way to secure the panels onto the center section? On normal plug in wings there is the tube, a dowel close to the trailing edge for alignment and a bolt to screw the wing tightly to the fuse. Since there are two wing sections being joined straight together, how can I duplicate the screw to tighten the panels together?
My current idea is to glue a hardwood block into each section, drill both and tap for a nylon bolt that will screw in at an angle from the underside. Is the best method?
sorry for such a wordy question.
Thanks, steve
Given the above, what is a good way to secure the panels onto the center section? On normal plug in wings there is the tube, a dowel close to the trailing edge for alignment and a bolt to screw the wing tightly to the fuse. Since there are two wing sections being joined straight together, how can I duplicate the screw to tighten the panels together?
My current idea is to glue a hardwood block into each section, drill both and tap for a nylon bolt that will screw in at an angle from the underside. Is the best method?
sorry for such a wordy question.
Thanks, steve
01-05-2014, 10:11 PM
#3
If you don't want to see the attachment screws then you can use the blind or T-nuts in the center section and a servo type hatch or two to allow use of a nylon machine screw or screws or wing bolts to hold it together ( they don't come lose) then put the cover on, might take 5 minutes but would look good.
Leroy
Leroy
01-06-2014, 02:30 AM
#5
My Feedback: (3)
Another option is to plug the ends of the wing tube with a piece of hardwood dowel, assemble the wings and drill a hole through the wing, the tube, and the dowel. Tap the hole for a 4-40 bolt and harden the threads with thin CA. You will also need to add a ply plate in the wing where the hole is going to be drilled.
Your proposed method will also work fine but I would use a metal bolt instead of nylon and add a blind nut. Merlyn Graves shows how to do this over on RC Scale Builder. Do a search on the phrase "Merlyn Lock".
Your proposed method will also work fine but I would use a metal bolt instead of nylon and add a blind nut. Merlyn Graves shows how to do this over on RC Scale Builder. Do a search on the phrase "Merlyn Lock".
