I'm building a turbine F-86 with foam wings and want to incorporate Carbon Fiber "FlexPlates" to mount my retracts. It will weigh between 15 and 18 lbs. WET (when filled with fuel.)

What thickness of CF Plate should I use (2.0 or 2.5 or 3.0 or 3.5 mm) for FlexPlates?

Thanks

Nick,

2.5mm will work nicely. This plate is really stiff and strong. Just be sure to add ~3/16" plywood strips to the bottom side to accept 4-40 blind nuts for the retract units. I don't recommend tapping directly into the cf plate.

Photo is of a set of 2.5mm mount plates I made as replacements for my 20# Razor.

You can cut this plate with a carbide tipped cutter in a Dremel, RotoZip or router. Make sure you wear a mask and keep a shop vacuum handy. The dust gets all over, including up your nose, if you let it.

Regards,
Art Gajewski
www.Arts-Hobby.com
Composite Materials +

Thank you, Art.