Ace Hobbies Wing vs Vacuum
 

My story: This is my 3rd plane following one ARF and one kit. I am building the Cloud Dancer .40 ARF by Ace Hobbies. Got the wing all together and realized the aileron servo wouldn't fit in the provided opening so I began to carve it out a bit... Worked out great and the servo finally fits. I move the wing and realize there is a bunch of chips/dust inside still so I get out the handy shop vac. I put the tip of the hose up to the opening for the servo (not in as I didn't want to completely seal the opening and damage the covering). I hear a loud pop and have now broken 3 of the ribs... :( It wasn't as strong as I thought it was!

My advise: Don't use a vacuum!

My questions: Would anyone out there fly the thing as is with 3 ribs broken on the same side? Is it worth taking the time to try to open it up and fix/brace up the ribs (one side now heavier than the other)? Would it be safer/easier to just buy a new wing? Anyone know where to find a new wing for one of these? It's a shame - It looked like a nice plane...

RE: Ace Hobbies Wing vs Vacuum
 

I personally would not fly the plane with three broken ribs on the same side. The wings integrity is definitly compromised. Although it would not be a bad idea to fix those ribs as I do not think the extra weight of the glue and balsa will affect the planes balancing points all that much. Also, pending on the price of the wing, you can also go out and buy another wing and save yourself the hassle. I definitly know what its like trying to repair a wing. You have to remove the covering first....and you know the rest. But, thats up to you. I would definitly be a little apprehensive though on flying it with 3 broken ribs.

RE: Ace Hobbies Wing vs Vacuum
 

it is better to repair 3 ribs now than have to replace everything if the wing folds during a stressful manuver like a pull out from a dive.you may be able to do the repair by just removing the covering from the bottom,take the pieces of broken ribs and put them in place like a jigjaw puzzle then a few drobs of thin ca and should be good as new.then just recover that one area

RE: Ace Hobbies Wing vs Vacuum
 

I agree reapier it might not look as nice after but safer....