DJ-1 Wing Building Question
 

I'm currently building (as my first proper kit) a DJ-1.

I'm working on the first wing. When I'd finished the basic wing structure (Ribs and spars) the wing was flat. I've just added the leading edge sheeting. The tension in the sheeting seems to have warped the wing slightly. With the trailing edge and the root of the main spar flat on the board, the tip of the main spar is about 1mm off the board (This is about 1.5-2mm at the leading edge).

Is this significant?

Will it even out when the bottom sheeting is added? (maybe not as there will be less tension in the bottom sheeting due to the flatter-bottom wing section?)

Any suggestions will be most appreciated!!

Many Thanks,
=Adrian=

RE: DJ-1 Wing Building Question
 

Did you have it pinned down when you glued the sheeting? I find that there is always some small degree of misalignment when building a built-up kit. You can always trim it out in flight.

BTW, try sheeting the bottom first.

Nathan

RE: DJ-1 Wing Building Question
 

I never worry about small twists or bows in a wing if I have not yet installed the sheeting on both sides. Just be sure you have the structure held down to the board, either with pins or weights, before you start glueing the sheeting on. Once it's in place and the glue is dry, the wing will stay in whatever shape it was in while you were installing the sheeting.

John

RE: DJ-1 Wing Building Question
 

I found it difficult to see if the leading edge was pinned down properly while flat on the board - so I removed it, pinned the sheeting then put it back on the board with weights...

...Now I know that was a bad idea!!

I guess I'm looking for guidance...

[ul][*] Is there anything I can do to straighten it out?[*] Is it usable as it is?[*] Should I just throw it away and get another kit?
[/ul]

If the thing is unlikely to fly it would be a waste of time putting in the work to finish it. Oh well, a lesson learned - possibly an expensive one. I'm not going to give up on this - Now I've started I really like building almost as much as flying. Just wish I hadn't made such a stupid (avoidable!!) mistake.

Many Thanks,
=Adrian=

RE: DJ-1 Wing Building Question
 

I guess you only finished one side of the wing, then build the other side with the same bow in the wing. It will fly well enough!
And a little more on building wings, I build the ribs & wing spars with ca & check for errors before sheeting them with white glue,
then you can make sure the wings are not bow & have plenty of time to twist the wing into the proper washout before they set.
wish you have good time with your DJ-1 cause I have fun building & flying it.

RE: DJ-1 Wing Building Question
 

No man, don't throw it away! You can trim out the warped wing with aileron when you fly it. If you really can not stand it being warped trace the parts for the other side of the wing and scratch build it. It will fly for sure, well at least I know I could fly it! [8D]

Nathan