Date: October 18, 2007

Tonight I prepped for joining the wings together. First I needed to put the #1 ribs in place, and at the proper angle to provide the desired dihedral. My first thought was to place both wing halves on a long board, and push them together along with the #1 ribs. My thought was to insert a spacer between the #1 ribs. That way, the parts of the spars that hung over, would hang over the spacer. Once the ribs were in place, and the glue dried, I would remove the spacer, separating the wing halves. Then I'd cut the excess spar material, and I'd have to nicely matched wings.

This proved unworkable. It was difficult manipulating the wing halves and the ribs. So onto plan "B."

This time, I worked with one wing half at a time. I propped the end of the wing with blocks to simulate dihedral. Then it was only a matter of putting the #1 rib in place. Once the rib was in place, I'd check it to be certain it was perpendicular to the work surface and I would have my rib in place. Here, I broke out the CA. I don't like using it, but in this case, it was the best way to glue the rib to the spars.

According to the plans, I should have 3" of dihedral on each wing tip. I think this is a bit much. I used the TLAR (That Looks About Right) method. My blocks were 1-1/2" high, and holding up the fourth rib from the end. The Dihedral should be about 1-3/4" at each wingtip. This should make it fly with some self-correcting behaviour, but not be too stable. It should be able to roll and possibly fly inverted.

I did run into a mistake I made in the building process. On the left wing half, I didn't put the spar far enough to the center. Hence, it didn't fill the cutting in the rib. I will need to fill the area. I was worried I wouldn't have a very strong joint, but I will sheet the top of the center rib area, and I will be installing shear webbing in the first three bays. This should make the wing plenty strong.

Next step, I need to cut the excess spar material flush with the #1 rib. Then install the shear web pieces in the first three rib bays. Then I need to install everything to mount the wing joint tube.

This is a good place to leave it for tonight.

Picture 1: The two #1 ribs with the spacer
Picture 2: The two wing halves set near one another, the center section in between.
Picture 3: The left wing half, the #1 rib glued in place. Notice the top spar isn't long enough.
Picture 4: The right wing half propped up to simulate dihedral.
Picture 5: The right wing half, #1 rib tentatively positioned.
Picture 6: Use a square to make sure the #1 rib is perpendicular to the work surface.
Picture 7: Use a square to make sure the #1 rib is perpendicular to the work surface.