Author Topic: Trailing Edge Sanding (Read 1608 times)

Jerry Bohn · « **on:** October 24, 2006, 01:09:39 PM »

I am building my Brodak full body Oriental. I have never found a good way to sand the trailing edge spar on the wing prior to putting on the sheeting. It is a 1/4" sq which needs to be shaped so that when the two 1/16" sheeting is put on, it matches the 1/4" flaps. I thought I saw a way to do it on some forum but the method has escaped my senior mind.
Any suggested methods out there?

Leester · « **Reply #1 on:** October 24, 2006, 01:42:39 PM »

Well here's one way: First put tape on the ribs to protect them. Lay your wing flat so your 1/4" TE is flat on the board and put a 3/16" rod against the TE and sand that. When you have finished that turn the wing over and replace the 3/16" rod with a 1/8" rod and sand that. that will leave your TE 1/8" at the end and 1/4 at the ribs. after the 1/16" sheeting on both sides you'll match your 1/4 flap.

Bob Reeves · « **Reply #2 on:** October 24, 2006, 02:21:44 PM »

I use my band saw to taper trailing edges before I build the wing. After it's built a little touch up with a sanding bar is all that is necessary. Get the angle off the plans and tilt the table on the band saw to match. You do need a fence and small feather boards to hold down the trailing edge stock but once you do one you have all the stuff and the next only takes a few minutes.

Jerry Bohn · « **Reply #3 on:** October 25, 2006, 11:17:29 AM »

Thanks for the tips. Since I don't have a band saw, the sanding rod method will do. I do have the rods of the right dimensions since I have done flaps like that before.

phil c · « **Reply #4 on:** October 25, 2006, 05:26:31 PM »

Jerry, for ease of sanding, use the wire method, but do it to the TE before it goes on the plane. 1/4 in wire or brass tube in front, then the 3/16 and 1/8 behind. Use a thin, thin layer of Gorilla glue in the joint and you won't have to worry about any knicks or undercuts, it will fill them in.

Jerry Bohn · « **Reply #5 on:** October 26, 2006, 12:58:50 PM »

Got it, thanks for the tip.
Mabey this plane will actually be built correctly, have made 6 planes and have just just sanded trail sheeting a bit to reduce thickness which left trail edge a bit thicker than flap.
Planes have always flown OK but now I would like to do it right and see the diffrence.
Jerry Bohn

Author Topic: Trailing Edge Sanding (Read 1608 times)

Jerry Bohn

Trailing Edge Sanding

Leester

Re: Trailing Edge Sanding

Bob Reeves

Re: Trailing Edge Sanding

Jerry Bohn

Re: Trailing Edge Sanding

phil c

Re: Trailing Edge Sanding

Jerry Bohn

Re: Trailing Edge Sanding