Covering with cotton?
04-20-2013, 07:05 AM
#2
RE: Covering with cotton?
That would be an interesting experiment. I believe that aircraft grade cotton is available from Aircraft Spruce, but compared to what we use on our models, it probably weighs quite a bit more. Most of our coverings (fabric) run around 1.1 to 1.5 oz/sq yd. For aircraft use they run 1.7 to 3.5 oz/sq yd. I am not sure of where cotton fabric falls.
04-20-2013, 08:06 AM
#3
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RE: Covering with cotton?
Aircraft spruce no longer carries cotton. There was no need for it with the lighter, stronger, and more durable fabric available. While cotton was great in it's day it has gone the way of the Do do. If you truly want to go with a cotton find a local linen store such as Jo-Anns. There you will find many grades and qualities of cotton. Good luck in your endeavor.
04-20-2013, 10:06 AM
#5
RE: Covering with cotton?
I have seen some perfect fabric at the fabric store, but it would need to be 1/3 scale to make the weave believable. In A&P school, we used cotton on our practice "wing", it takes a lot of dope to fill, but it loves to take the dope. You also have to use shrinking dopes. They shrink forever, so at some point you will have to cut the covering off or it will crush the airframe.
04-20-2013, 04:59 PM
#6
RE: Covering with cotton?
Cotton also requires an anti fungal additive in the first dope coats. If not used, over time it will absorb moisture and rot. It will also need a coat of silver to block ultraviolet light which will also degrade the fabric strength. As mentioned above, taughtening dopes must be used to tighten the fabric. If installed too tight, it will crush a wing. Go with the synthetics like Coverall or dacron. It will last longer and is more durable.
