tamccain

I was wondering if anyone had tried to put a dowel rod inside of the leading edge to give the wing that rounded leading edge like you would find in a balsa plane. You would probably have to glue it to the coroplast and then round the coroplast around it. If you have done it, how does it work? I haven't built a plane yet, but I will be soon and would be interested in how this would work in the Debonair.

ChrisSpad

i think the original dogfighter had a dowel in the leading edge. you can check the plans on www.spadtothebone.com . But, scoring the leading edge 3 times, and mushing it around a bit works just as well, and doesn't add any weight.

Woodsy

when u score the LE make another score about 6mm above and it gives you a some what rounder edge (for flat bottom)

Woodsy

when u score the LE make another score about 6mm above and it gives you a some what rounder edge (for flat bottom)

wildnloose

Chris is correct. I have done it on my dogfighter. Its main purpose is to add strength to the leading edge for combat.

It was my first time so my edge is not well rounded.

I did see a press on this site where the leading edge was perfect. I think it was called "le press" or something like that. If I find it I will post a link...

Deadeye

Set a chunk of foam in front of the spar, along the whole length. Makes an excellent, abrubpt and extremely strong LE, and only adds a few ounces.