Problem Reinforcing Main Landing Gear
 

Hi guys,

As per my other thread, I am fitting a pre-bent aluminum main landing gear to my balsa plane. However, I am having trouble attaching the plywood on the inside to strengthen the area and to prevent the landing gear from going through the fuselage upon landing. I tried CA, I tried that yellowish cement thing, and still wouldn't hold: it would just pop-off.

What am I doing wrong? I have glued wood pieces together before, but these two will NOT stick!

Thanks in advance! :)

RE: Problem Reinforcing Main Landing Gear
 

I think you're best bet would be to use 30 minute epoxy. Make sure you have a clean, wood-to-wood area, (you may need to scrape off the previous glue), mix a good-sized blob of epoxy, and stick that wood in there. Don't worry about glue oozing out, it won't show on the inside. Wait at least a couple hours before drilling on it.

RE: Problem Reinforcing Main Landing Gear
 

I agree, 30 minute epoxy. CA does not penetrate plywwod very well, and I've never gotten a good ply joint with it.

I would clamp the ply in after applying the epoxy and wait 24 hours for a full cure before doing anything like drilling it though.
Dennis-

RE: Problem Reinforcing Main Landing Gear
 

Also, try scratching up the original surface. Maybe it has some kind of coating that is preventing the bond.

RE: Problem Reinforcing Main Landing Gear
 

and use some triangle stock on the inside to make it stronger.

RE: Problem Reinforcing Main Landing Gear
 

30Min Epoxy all the way. You could also drill 1/8" holes through the side of the fuse into your new block. Then epoxy in 1/8" dowel rod to pin the block in place. About two on each side would be plenty..

David

RE: Problem Reinforcing Main Landing Gear
 

Ah, epoxy! Thanks a lot, guys! [8D]