Leading Edge Gap Sealing
 

I just glued the leading edge sheeting on the left wing of my SIG Something extra. Every thing went fine except I have a small (1/32") gap between the leading edge spar and the sheeting on the last section between the ribs. What is the best way to seal the small gap and still add strength to the part where the sheeting and spar meet. Slight pressure will push the sheeting back and leave the sheeting drooping beetween the ribs. I want to make sure it is straight before sanding and applying the monokote. Any suggestions?

Leading Edge Gap Sealing
 

Hooker:

Cut a narrow strip of balsa, edge glue it to the existing sheeting and the leading edge.

If the gap is where you sanded through the sheeting then lap the new sheeting over the existing sheeting by about 3/4" and restrain yourself when you sand it the next time.

In either case before covering put both wing halves on the joiner tube and check lateral balance.

Bill.

Leading Edge Gap Sealing
 

Just a small clarification. I haven't done any sanding yet. This is the initial installation of the LE sheeting.

Leading Edge Gap Sealing
 

I ran across the same problem on mine. I just took some elmers and sanding dust, made me a little goo. Pressed it into the gap, using a wet finger wipe it as smooth as you can get it, let dry and sand. Makes a pretty good bond and fills the gap.

You could also get some gorilla glue and applicator and suirt a bit into the gap. Let it stand on the LE until it dries. The glue expands as it cures up. You will get some protruding out of the crack but it sands pretty good, and makes a good bond also.

I think either way will get a good glue joint and solve the gap issue.

Leading Edge Gap Sealing
 

Hook:

'Kay, no sanding yet.

Then I will assume the sheeting comes up to the back side of the leading edge strip. And there are two things that clould have caused it. Either the LE strip is not straight making the basla sheet not to meet it over its length, or the edge of the balsa sheet was not straight. Or both.

Put a straight edge against the leading edge, this will show which part is warped.

If the leading edge is straight you will need to cut a thin sliver of balsa to fill the gap. This is the easiest cure.

If the leading edge is not straight you have some options. One is to fill the gap as you would for the crooked sheeting, and then sand the LE straight.

The proper repair for a warped LE is to strip the sheeting off and redo it with a known straight sheet, forcing the wing framework to match while gluing.

You could also, if the gap is not too wide, fill it with a thick glue, then filler to smooth it out.

And finally, you could ignore it, put the covering over it, and enjoy the plane.

No matter how you proceed, so long as you maintain lateral balance, once it's covered you will probably be the only one who knows about it.

Bill.

Leading Edge Gap Sealing
 

Thanks,
Well here's one for you. It is real humid today and I pulled the pins a little too soon and the sheeting lifted off. Not enough to restraighten the sheeting, but enough for me to get some CA across the back of the sheeting on the leadng edge. Looks like I can take some balsarite filler fill it in and smooth it over. Sand the whole wing with a sanding bar and cover it. The LE and TE are straight as an arrow so finish sanding is probably all I need.

Thanks for all of your advice. I am sure it won't be the only time I use it. This is a great site for getting the help you need. Good flying to you all.