Joining balsa sheet....
 

Hello !

I have a question....let say You want to cover a wing with balsa sheets...each wing is 56" long...( sailplane , Pilatus B4 118" wingspan )
Since the longest balsa sheet i have found is only 48" , how You join two balsa sheet togheter o reach the desired lenght ?
The thickness is 1/16....i think a slice joint will not work , right ?
How usually people do ?
Any suggestion ?

Thanks !
AA

RE: Joining balsa sheet....
 

AA; I've used both a "slice" joint and staggered butt joints on large surfaces. Can't say one is better than the other except that staggered butt joints are easier.
Walt

RE: Joining balsa sheet....
 

Hi Walt !

What You mean by "staggered butt joint" ? how it is ?
Sorry but i never heard it...[sm=red_smile.gif]


Thank You very much for the help !

Best regards

Aris

RE: Joining balsa sheet....
 

Butt join (end to end) two say 36" sheets to get on 72" sheet. Then join three shorter sheets to get another 72" one. The two joints on the tree piece sheet will now be on either side of the two piece sheet. sort of like this:
l
l l

Wt

RE: Joining balsa sheet....
 

I cut end of 2 sheets at 45 degrees and then glue with cyano ( on the inside surface )- this gives a longer glue joint which is not aligned straight across the wing. This is ample for sheeting foam wings. ( ie same as joining strip balsa )

If sheeting over ribs then vary angle to ensure the joint straddles at least 2 ribs and then add a strengthening 1/16 sheet doulbler across joint on underside between ribs.

John

RE: Joining balsa sheet....
 

Chech Balsa USA for wing skins. Work really well. Khelsea

RE: Joining balsa sheet....
 

Thank You all for the suggestions !!
I have found a small balsa supplier that has balsa sheet of 60" long. ( http://www.klaegerag.ch/rik-mz/seiten/balsaholz.htm )
I ordered some from him.

Thanks and best regards !
Aris