Okay....

Got up this morning and trimmed all the overhang cloth off with a safety razor, just try to get as much excess cloth as you can with the razor. The next step is to sand the margins of the cloth with 220 or so, and as always on a sanding block. you will see that any additional excess cloth will sand away easily. Also inspect the glassed area for coverage, surface defects and and other foreign particles that could be trapped under or on the glass.

I did a rough over all sanding with the block, put the plane half glasses and not final sanded on the scales and its right at 34 oz - that is a 2 oz gain at this point and I still have all the major surface sanding and prep work to do. I am a bit surprised at only a 2 oz gain, and the surface still has at least a 1/64- 1/32" thick base of micro balloons, I need to sand off at least 80% or so off this base. you will want to get it down to the weave. Right now the surface of the plane looks like someone spread vanilla cake icing all over her

Sure seems like I should be around 3 oz for the entire glassed base once it's complete. This process is 100% repeatable and just follow the steps that have been outlined here and on Mike's forums. The only thing you have to deal with is the amount of sanding you committed to at this point. Of course all of the intensive sanding is during the glassing and priming stages. Be prepared to spend up to 2 hours on each sanding cycle. Only use sanding blocks, use your point light source. Remember this is precision sanding, keep your focus on what you are working. 30 seconds of over-sanding will ruin all your work.

Not investing the time sanding is an even bigger mistake. You will end up with a heavy plane with a very poor surface. considering the cost in the original kit, the materials to build and finish the kit and the time you all ready have invested, not a good decision to get a lame here - it would be a shame not to try to get that first class finish...

I use a large foam pad to protect/support the fuse on a table out side or in the garage so to keep the dust down, the resin/microballons and primer dust floats everywhere, use a dust mask at all times...

Mike what is the side area of the VF3? - would like to get a weight per sq/in for this finish.

sorry the cameras on charge or I would be getting some pics at the moment.

once I get a little breakfast I'll be hitting the second side of the glass. I may even turn on the dragon fire webcam if anyone is interested.


AND GO PACKERS !!!