jeff1127

Hi,
I need some advice on a minor mistake I made building the wing.
Since I'm building this in an apartment I wasn't able to spot the problem until I had lifted the wing from the board.
I have one rib,W3, that is not making good contact with the LE. In fact, it is both W3s,one on each half. The gap is 1/16 or less.
So my question is what would be appropriate to do with this? Can I reinforce it by adding an extra rib next to it or should I try and rip that one out and replace it? If that is an option, would it be appropriate to replace just the forward edge of the rib?

Thanks in advance for your help.[sm=drowning.gif]

RCKen

My Feedback: (9)

Just make another rib and glue along side the first one, and in contact with the leading edge. You don't have to cut an entire rib though. Just from the spar to the leading edge will do.

Hope this helps

Ken

jeff1127

Thank You Ken. That will be much easier than tearing it all out.

flyinrog

My Feedback: (1)

Cut a piece of balsa the same as the front inch of the rib so that it does touch the leading edge and glue it like a splint and that should be fine, you could do both sides but that may be overkill...Rog

bruce88123

It sounds like you could do it Ken's way or make a rib section even shorter and glue it alongside the original and to the leading edge. Would it be possible to just place a small wedge of sheet stock between the rib and the leading edge and glue it in place? Choose an appropriate thickness and sand or shave to fit properly before gluing.

Can you post a picture of the exact problem area?

Did we mention that wood glues (aliphatic resins) are easier to sand and give you time to position parts? Tite Bond II is a good one.

jeff1127

I had thought that I would put a rib in of about half height leading from the LE back at 45 degrees to the spar.
But I think I like the second rib idea better.

bruce88123

Since this is a constant chord wing you can use the root rib as a template or you may (should) still have the sheets the ribs were punched from in the kit to use for a pattern.

jeff1127

Bruce, i never throw anything away. I may have to clean up some when done with this build however.

I have every horizontal surface within 10 feet covered with plans,tools,etc.

You would love to see my work(space). It's a small corner in my living room.

RCKen

My Feedback: (9)

Only 10 feet??? You need to get busy there man!!!!!! Until you are spread out in at least 2 or 3 rooms of the house then you've got some catching up to do!!!!!

Ken

bruce88123

I've got the spare bedroom (shop) so cluttered right now that I'm building an ARF in my living room this week.