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Author Topic: Wing Cross Section?  (Read 852 times)

Offline Joe Messinger

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Wing Cross Section?
« on: July 30, 2009, 09:54:31 PM »
Anyone know of a way to make a pattern of the cross section of a wing when all you have is the wing itself? 

I have a finished Smoothie wing and would like to make a profile fuselage for it.  I don't have a set of plans or any extra ribs to work from.  If I could somehow accurately duplicate the center cross section of the wing in the form of a template, I could complete the project.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Joe
Joe Messinger

Offline Russell Shaffer

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Re: Wing Cross Section?
« Reply #1 on: July 30, 2009, 10:10:55 PM »
Look in a woodworking place.  There is a device with a bunch of rods that you push against an object.  I can't remember the name, but it will duplicate curves.  Should be able to find it in many hardware stores.  Someone will tell us what it is called, I'm sure. I just looked and there is also a thing called a "flexible curve" that might work for you. 
Russell Shaffer
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Just North of the California border

Offline Frank Sheridan

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Re: Wing Cross Section?
« Reply #2 on: July 30, 2009, 10:59:41 PM »

Offline minnesotamodeler

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Re: Wing Cross Section?
« Reply #3 on: July 31, 2009, 03:40:44 PM »
Or, a scissor and a lot of cardboard...start cutting and fitting, marking the "high" spots and cutting some more, until you have it exact (and cardboard scraps up to your knees but cardboard's cheap...)  Just do one surface and mirror it for the other.

I'm a low-tech kinda guy...
--Ray 
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Offline don Burke

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Re: Wing Cross Section?
« Reply #4 on: July 31, 2009, 03:51:46 PM »
re the low tech idea.  Using a large diameter marking pen rough cut the cardboard then using the pen held bodywise on the surface of the wing trace half the wing section on the cardboard. Make marks on the cardboard for the LE and TE.
don Burke AMA 843
Menifee, CA

Online Matt Colan

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Re: Wing Cross Section?
« Reply #5 on: July 31, 2009, 04:05:52 PM »
Wrap a piece of saulder around the wing, and then trace the INSIDE of that wrap.  Never tried it, but Windy suggested it to Bill Hummel one night.

Matt Colan

Offline minnesotamodeler

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Re: Wing Cross Section?
« Reply #6 on: July 31, 2009, 05:27:26 PM »
Ways and means, ways and means...nice thing about this forum: All a guy's gotta do is ask, then take his pick of methods.  Good suggestions all.
--Ray 
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Offline don Burke

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Re: Wing Cross Section?
« Reply #7 on: August 01, 2009, 09:49:14 AM »
I have in my stuff a thing I used to use for drafting odd curves.  It's a plastic rectangular strip that has something inside that allows it to flex to different shapes.  Works sort of like the piece of solder idea.  I did find that it really wouldn't hold shape when moved, something that I think the solder would tend to do.

Like noted, you pays your money and you takes your choice!  Use whatever gets the desired result.
don Burke AMA 843
Menifee, CA

Offline Frank Sheridan

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Re: Wing Cross Section?
« Reply #8 on: August 01, 2009, 04:43:53 PM »
It doesn't get any easier than a contour gauge. Select what you wish to duplicate, in this case a potato chip can. Press the contour gauge into the can to imprint the shape, then transfer the shape onto paper. This particular contour gauge is a General #837, and is available at most lumber stores that sell the General tool line. I think this one came from  Home Depot.

Offline minnesotamodeler

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Re: Wing Cross Section?
« Reply #9 on: August 01, 2009, 06:25:03 PM »
Very handy gadget, yes...we used it to replicate ogee chair molding in old house renovations.  Problem with it is, it's only 6" long--won't reach all the way across most wings. maybe someone makes a 12" one,which would be much more useful. 
--Ray 
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Offline Joe Messinger

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Re: Wing Cross Section?
« Reply #10 on: August 01, 2009, 11:50:22 PM »
Thanks everyone for you advice and help.  I'll try what has been suggested and, hopefully one way or another, end up with the correct size hole for my wing in the side of a fuselage.

Regards,

Joe
Joe Messinger


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