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Old 02-04-2003 | 01:08 AM
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rajul
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Default Gluing wing halfs together - best method?

Hi Ernie, first of all, do a trial fitting of the wings with the dihedral brace inserted. The root ribs must be sanded flat with a bar preferably longer than the chord. The brace should fit snugly, and light sanding of the edges of the brace or pockets may be necessary. There should not be any gaps between the root ribs when you join the wings. Precut a number of 1" width masking tape (8" to 10" long). I use the normal paper type. When you epoxy (60 min epoxy will let you work at a relaxed pace and is much stronger), fill the brace pockets with epoxy, and apply epoxy to both sides of ribs and brace. Put them all together and apply just enough pressure to close the gap between the ribs. Use a rag dampened with alcohol to wipe off any epoxy squeeze out. While you press the wings together, it will be easier to get someone to apply the masking tapes on the top and bottom of the wings, in a length-wise direction. You can put them 2-3" apart. The tapes will keep the root ribs from separating. Lay the wings on a table with some foam support near the tips until the epoxy cures. You can also lay the wings vertically against a wall with chairs etc around it to prevent it from falling down should there be a gust of wind. The idea is to reduce any bending stress at the wing joint while the epoxy cures. Meanwhile wipe off anymore epoxy ooze. When the epoxy cures, remove the masking tapes. peel them off in a direction that will not lift the balsa grains off the sheeting. You can swab alcohol on the sticky side of the tape to facilitate the removal. That's it ! Hope this helps..............