Hello there, here's the deal, I am in the process of building my first kit (spirit 100) and I made a stupid mistake; I glued the doubler onto the fuselage on the same side as the other one. Not sure if that makes sense, but the point is that I need to get the doubler off of the fuse side. I glued it using thin CA all around. I am just out of luck? Or is there a trick to separating these two sheets? I have started to separate, but it is tedious and I feel like at any second I could end up shattering the wood. Any ideas???

CA Debonder wroks fine, but depending on the amount of CA you used it ight be difficult to remove it and that is a big part with lots of contact area.

But you will need lots of debonder.

You can use Acetone if you don't have the debonder, also some nail polish removers are acetone based.

worst case you might need to sand it down and cut another one.

hope others might come with a better idea.

Good luck,

I've used acetone a few times, sucessful every time. If the parts are in the fuse, try using a brush to soak it on with. But be careful balsa absorbs stuff like a sponge. I don't think that acetone leaves a residue, someone will correct me if I'm wrong. I think its just evaporates, and fairly quickly too. I had to use it in a "confined place" once on my 1903 Wright Flyer. I had to brush it on a few times to the area I needed seperated, but it worked w/o disturbing any other bond nearby. Also be patient, but you do have to "work it" b4 the acetone evaporates.
Joe

I would just use a single edged blade and do it as you have been doing.

it will be tedious, but it will work. Whatever damage you do to the balsa can be filled and sanded.

thanks for the replies and advice...I will try both methods. I'll try a little acetone and a knife to pry. Hopefully I can get it separated. Thanks! Any more suggestions more than appreciated.

I agree with Minn. I do not like debonder. You will get it in places you don't want it. It will also make it hard to get the new parts to kick properly. You do not need a weak joint here. If during removal you destroy it then make a new doubler. I like to put my doublers on this way. I lay both parts top to top. As in both wing saddle areas facing each other. I then have to install them opposite. It keeps me from makeing 2 of the same side. I hope this helps.

Mark Shuman

Use acetone starting on one end and a razor blade as MinnFlyer said. Then as you work the acetone around the joint, keep moving the razor blade to help the part lift off.

Don't feel bad. You won't be the last guy to make two of the same fuselage side. It's a common mistake - even among experienced builders. Some of us even build two left wings.

- Paul

he may not be the last but was i the first to do it

I've heard of people using a heat gun to soften CA before. Don't know if it will work for you but if you have a heat gun it may be worth a try.

I feel your pain. I did that on my trainer when building it. I ended up cutting out a completely new fuse half and doubler...

Not me.

I built 2 right wings.

Wanna swap?



-DC