Originally posted by Johng
...First, I don't see why the balsa joint has to be over the wing even using 36" lengths. THe chord of the wing is not over 36" so obviously a single piece could span it.
Initially, I thought only 36" lengths were available. I thought that spanning the wing cutout with one piece would mean two splices, fore and aft, adding weight. Using a 48" length from the rear, I'll move the splice forward and use a ply doubler underneath.
Originally posted by Johng
Lastly, I'd like to hear the $$ amount you plan on spending for balsa & ply here. If it's a whole pile, you'd be better off buying the glass kit from Dean Lassek for around $1500.
I had the shaped parts (ribs, formers, etc.) laser cut from the plans. The rest (spars, sheeting, leading/trailing edges, etc.) I have to buy from a supplier. Right now, I'm looking at a total wood cost of around $350 for all of the above. If I'm not mistaken, Dean's kit is for a larger model, driving costs up all around (mine has a wing span of 78"). In fact, I don't think I ever found Dean's or any other kit in my searches. I would have preferred a kit, but couldn't find any (other than Combat Models pusher-prop version).
I didn't want to make too big of a deal about this one building issue, but I did hear about some structural concerns in the wing area with this design. In fact, the width of the balsa just above the wing cutout is only about 1", maybe a bit more. It's seems to be fairly weak already.
Anyway, I appreciate all of the good advice.
Paul