jettstarblue

Covering a Kadet Sr. with some old Royal silk.
What can I use to seal it? Can I use polyurethane?
I'm sticking it down with non-shrinking dope, but I'm about out. Just wondered what alternative methods I can use to seal it (clear).

Thanks in advance.
Jetts

kdheath

I have yet to run across anyone using polyu on silk. I'd spray Brodak clear dope on it, after brushing one or two thins coats.

jettstarblue

kd,
Thanks, I did have good results by brushing on a coat of clear non-shrinking dope, then brushing on two coats of some clear "Odds-n-Ends" paint I've used before, fuelproof of course!
I rather like working with silk, too bad it's so expensive now. Next project after this will be back to silkspan. I do have a package of Dave Brown "Skyloft" I'm going to try on something....

LesUyeda

Thai silk. $2.5/yard.

Les

kdheath

Have a look at this material, too. Sold under the name Poly-Span, I have heard that it is a common material called dress liner. Can't say that I've gone to a fabric shop to look, yet, though...It has to be handled with some care-mainly being sure you have it right-side-out and have plenty of clear on it before sanding, or it will fuzz up. But the result is worthwhile-looks a lot like silkspan but is tough as nails. I saw a small screwdriver fall out of a shirt pocket and bounce off of the stuff. Shouldn't get brittle like silk or silkspan, either. This seller, Tom Morris , is a wonderful guy. He'll bend over backwards to help you out.

http://www.tomsbuildingservice.biz/p...r%20Tissue.pdf

RCPAUL

My Feedback: (1)

I don't think Polyspan is dress lining material - it is something very different. Dress lining material is more like Sig Koverall, which is good but heavier than silk.

Paul

jettstarblue

Thanks guys, I'll report back and let you know how it goes.

jettstarblue

O.K. So here's the update- I covered the fuse with the silk using some Sig nitrate dope. I sealed it with a couple of coats of fast drying polyurethane.

I ordered this:http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...edropclrhi.php to use for the wing and plan on using the same poly to finish out the wing.

Photos soon, I promise.

jettstarblue

Oh yeah, I used the standard JR servo for the rudder and elevator, and a Hitec mini for the throttle. I'm using a standard JR for the ailerons. The Rx is an small JR unit that is standard with the Alpha trainer- (R.I.P.)[sm=eek.gif]

I'm hoping for 5- 5 1/2lbs AUW.

LesUyeda

I hope you did not buy by the gallon. The HazMet fees will kill you. It is cheaper to buy 4 quarts.

Les

jettstarblue

Well....I only bought a quart, but I don't know what they are going to tack on for the HazMat fee.....I tried to find it but they only mentioned "an additional charge" for the HazMat fee.[:@]

It was half the price of a quart of Aerothane from Tower.

LesUyeda

I don't remember any HazMet fee until you got to the gallon size, but I am in the same state. Maybe across state lines is different.

Les

jettstarblue

Yeah, I ordered it to be shipped Fex Ex and when I checked the catalog, it stated "40-60 dollars for Haz Mat fee and we don't recommend using Fed Ex".

I cancelled the order, now I'm going to use some alternative method.....I'll keep you posted.

buzzard bait

Dave Brown Skyloft is way heavier than it looks, very difficult to fill, and you can't control the shrinkage--absolutely horrible stuff. I've just tried PolySpan for the first time and it is WAY better. Sig Koverall is very nice to use and very tough (and lighter than Skyloft). I have silk from Thai Silks that looks terrific but I haven't tried putting it on a plane yet. Jim

jettstarblue

I may use the Skyloft over a solid surface on another project.

I have some FabTac here, and just enough clear dope left to do the wing. I'll be sealing it with polyurethane.

I've used Sig Koverall quite a bit in the past, (including the Kadet Sr. I built for my Dad) but I am going with the colored silk on this one.