L.E.
 

What is the best way to get the leading edges to have the same radius?

Thanks

Rob

RE: L.E.
 

I sand the first one to whatever is required, and then make a template of the profile, and sand the second one, stopping frequently to fit the template and see where the second LE is compared to the first one. It takes a bit longer on the second LE, but you'll get an exact match. Be sure to measure along the full length.

RE: L.E.
 

A long, straight sanding bar helps a lot.

How accurate you need to be depends a lot on the airplane as well. Believe it or not, most sport planes are more than fine just using the ole mark 1 mod 0 eyeball (or mod 1 for those with the laser job done :)).

The template thing is the way to go if you want it perfect.

RE: L.E.
 

I agree with the template idea, except I make a template from the plan first and use it one both leading edges. ;)
Dennis-

RE: L.E.
 

What if the plan only gives the cross section at the root?

Rob

RE: L.E.
 

I did the eyeball method for years until I tried something new with my current project. I took a 3/8 scrap of MDF and made two templates of the leading edge from a cross section of the plan. Took the templates and tacked them onto each end of the wing then sanded it with a long bar sander. In the end it was dead on and maybe a little quicker than the old method.