Arf Wing Joining
 

Does anyone reinforce the wing joints on an arf glue together wing? If you do - whats the best way? WM Super Stunts just arrived and I would like some tips.

RE: Arf Wing Joining
 

I worried about that also on the first one I built but after three I've had
no problems. The first one I built had an elevator servo quit and rekitted itself
but the wing joint stayed together.

tommy s

RE: Arf Wing Joining
 

If you will search for Lancair Wing Failures you will find some info on this subject.

RE: Arf Wing Joining
 

One thing to look out for is to make sure the dihedral brace (joiner) is
a snug fit and that you are getting a flush fit of the two root ribs. I've heard
some of the joiners on some ARFs fit pretty sloppy. A little sanding should
get both wing ribs flat to each other.
I treat ARFs just like the ones I'm building from scratch. If it doesn't look
strong enough reinforce it. Just don't get carried away and make it too heavy.
They're designed to fly, not crash.

tommy s

RE: Arf Wing Joining
 

I'm more pleased if the dihedral brace isn't too tight. Lets me align the wing halves. If it's too tight, the build has to be perfect. Epoxy will fill any small voids.

The question was, If you really feel the need to reinforce you can :

1. remove a stip of covering on each side of the rib joint, so you have a place to put your fiberglas tape. Use a soldering iron tip to melt the covering, rather than trying to cut with a blade.
2. cut your 'glas tape to fit, and
3. epoxy the tape to the center joint. Do it top & bottom, and recover the exposed side of the wing.

Good luck,
Dave Olson

RE: Arf Wing Joining
 

When I remove covering to allow fibregalss taping a jont... I peel it back instead of cutting it free. If you are careful... you can peel it back... then do the glass work.... then iron it back on. don't even need any covering to patch it.