pilotx

My Feedback: (2)

Hello I have a Question for you guys. I have been given a Top Flight F4U, this kit was started in 2000 and now I have it. The Fuse is complete and sheeted no fin or stab, the wing is framed up but not sheeted. I have this wing Jigged to the building table with Zero incidence in Center and Both wing tips at Zero Wash out, it's not going to move.

Now here is what I am wondering about, Should I do anything to wet/dampen this wood and dry slightly to bring some moisture back to it before sheeting and then Glassing this wing and fuse for that matter?



Thanks in advance

-Tracey

Gray Beard

My Feedback: (-1)

If you are going to use any CA glue it is a help to get moisture back into the wood, for glassing or using epoxy you need not bother. When I get old kits I have the kit box in the bathroom with the box opened and for the next few days the wood gets some moisture back in it from just the steam when we shower. It doesn't take much.

ChuckW

So what's your wife think about airplane kits in the bathroom?

Mine got a little irritated when ours was full of pepper plant seedlings once. It tried to explain that it was the SW corner of the house and therefore theoretically the warmest room but she didn't seem to care.

jaka

Hi!
Why would you like to get the balsa damp???
Just get some wash-out in those wing tips and build!

Gray Beard

My Feedback: (-1)

Chuck, we have been together for almost 40 years, by now she just shrugs and ignores things. Once in a while she does ask that what and why question but that's about it.

pilotx

My Feedback: (2)

Well, while an old timmer building mentor and I were reviewing all the parts of the kit we found that alot of the CA glue joints are not solid and the wood is very dry. He wondered if we should mist it with water, I don't know why, As I said before I am planning on Glassing this plane after finishing the frame up and sheeting the wing...

next question is how much washout at the tips?

Thanks guys keep it coming

Gray Beard

My Feedback: (-1)

Misting will cause warps, the steam from the shower with the kit sitting there in the bathroom only replaces some moisture in the wood to help CA glue to react. No CA then no reason for putting moisture back in the wood. You should be able to get the instructions from the Tower web site, the kit is still being made. Everything you need to know should be there.

jaka

Hi!
Just add some new thin Ca glue then...
Just build!

pilotx

My Feedback: (2)

Thanks for the help guys. All joints have been rechecked and Thin CA added to all joints and I have sheeted wing with 1.5degree of washout per tip, LE down 1.5 degree while center is zero


Thanks again
-Tracey

foodstick

I always hate waiting between the glue drying times..... but....10 years!, now that must have been some slow epoxy!