Wing/stab tubes

Now is a good time to cut and glue in the tube sockets.

First, cut the wing sockets so you have a 7" section in the center, and 2 pieces of equal length (about 11 1/2" or so). Don't cut any more length off the 2 equal pieces than you have to.

Now cut the stab tube socket so you have one piece about 1 1/8", and then cut the remaining piece exactly in half.

make end caps for the sockets out of lite ply. use a compass, or whatever and then sand to shape so it fits snugly inside the end of the tube socket, flush.

Glue in the wing socket end caps with 5 minute epoxy, and the stab socket caps with thick CA.

Run a wing tube through the wing with a piece of sticky back 150 grit sandpaper to make sure everything clears about 1/8" beyond the false rib. Work it a little if you have to, it's great if it's tight...if it's sort of floppy, it'll be heavy and out of alignment. Only do enough for the tube to clear the rib while twisting.

Do the same with the stab socket hole. Check your measurements to make sure you're engaged through the false rib.

Use a very thin layer of laminating resin, applied to the socket. tape an acid brush to the end of a stick, piece of carbon rod, whatever and make sure you go in and put some resin on that false rib. But only the false rib area, not the foam between the root and rib.

Now insert the tube sockets while twisting until you're sure they're stuck in past the false rib about 1/8" or slightly more. Less is ungood.

Wipe the excess from around the tube thoroughly. you're only interested in bonding the tube socket to the alse rib and root rib, any more is wasteful and heavy. What you applied to the socket is plenty; just a very thin layer is enough to get a great bond.

Let this cure overnight.