stunthanger.com

Building Tips and technical articles. => Building techniques => Topic started by: James Mills on April 26, 2008, 11:54:50 AM

Title: Building a stab and elevator.
Post by: James Mills on April 26, 2008, 11:54:50 AM

I'm building a pipe plane and the plans show 1/2" stab and elevator.  The stab is built up from 3/8 which I have but the elevator is shown as 1/2" solid balsa which I don't have.  Can I use 3/8 and have the elevator be a little thinner or is there a method to make a built up elevator?

Thanks,

James

Title: Re: Building a stab and elevator.
Post by: Mark Scarborough on April 26, 2008, 01:39:25 PM

James, one way with added benefits, is to use the 3/8 and then holow out the center, put ribs in it then skin it with light 1/16. It will be lighter and stronger. This is how I build all my tail surfaces. sounds like the stab is built the same way so just carry on. Dont forget to leave enough meat in the 3/8 to hold the control horn wire though, its a bit tough to do it lol

Title: Re: Building a stab and elevator.
Post by: Greg L Bahrman on April 26, 2008, 08:27:06 PM

I made the builtup elevator first, then it was suggested I sheet it for better strength which I did. It made a big difference in the stiffness of the elevator. I know you can't see it but the top sheeting on the elevator is at 45 degrees and the bottom sheeting is 90 Degrees to the top surface. Then just a couple of other examples for ya. Marks suggestion is good for lightweight and strong too.

Title: Re: Building a stab and elevator.
Post by: Leo Mehl on April 27, 2008, 12:33:38 AM

Quote from: Greg L Bahrman on April 26, 2008, 08:27:06 PM

I made the builtup elevator first, then it was suggested I sheet it for better strength which I did. It made a big difference in the stiffness of the elevator. I know you can't see it but the top sheeting on the elevator is at 45 degrees and the bottom sheeting is 90 Degrees to the top surface. Then just a couple of other examples for ya. Marks suggestion is good for lightweight and strong too.

When I geodeic the ribs in the stab and elevator I do not use any virtical ribs and therefore save some weight. It seem to be strong enough that way, however, I like to sheet the stab for it makes it real strong. <=

Title: Re: Building a stab and elevator.
Post by: Bill Little on April 27, 2008, 11:59:03 AM

H James,

That top picture is plenty strong.  That is the way Bob Hunt showed me to build elevators and stabilizers. With the stab sheeted, it will work even better.

Bill <><