Laser Locked Rib Update

[Bill Sawyer]

    Progress on this system is entering the test build stage. I was delayed by a 6 day stay in the local hospital ICU unit so things will be a little slower than planned. Enclosed is a picture of the laser cut parts for the first four kits. Construction for fit testing will begin this week.

[Bill Sawyer]

I was asked what the Laser Locked Rib system is so here is an explanation.
Laser Locked Ribs is a name I came up with for a method of cutting I-Beam style ribs using the accuracy of Autocad and laser cutting. The test kit is of the Playboy a classic I-Beam style plane. The advantage of this system is that an I-beam style plane can be built by first time builders. This is done by having the ribs precut to length and shaped to fit the beam without having to shape the beam. Here is a picture of the ribs cutting pattern.
The kit will be made builder friendly by having a preassembled box beam that is predrilled for mounting of the landing gear, a preassembled motor crutch featuring mortise and tenon construction with cutouts for metal motor pads which will be included in the kit, a moulded turtle deck, formed canopy and formed landing gear wires, weight tip box included in the laser cut parts and some other items I will reveal later.
 Enclose is a picture of my test build plane that I built from plans to develop the Laser Locked Rib system.

[sadams714441]

Bill
How much are the kits and how many do you have avail. Would like to get one.

Steve Adams

[Bill Sawyer]

Steve,
   Currently there are 4 kits that have been cut. These are for test fitting in  a build and to send to individuals that are responsible for helping with the production of the kits. A soon as the test fitting has been done a larger number of kits will be produced. As this is a new concept I want to insure the proper fit before producing a large number of kits. During the test build data will be collected that will determine the price. I have added you name to the list of people that have shown an interest in the kit. You are under no obligation to purchase - you will be one of the first to be informed of the availability when they are ready.
    Due to a recent medical situation production will be slower that I had planned so I am not sure of a release date. I hope to have the completed airframe to display at Huntersville.

[sadams714441]

Hi Bill
Thanks for the information,  yes please keep me on the list and let me know as soon as to the time they are out Very interested in kit.  Will have molded spars already built?

Steve

[Wynn Robins]

Bill,

put me on the list as somone who wants one of these also.

Thanks

Wynn

[sadams714441]

Looks like they are going to be great looking kits

[Bill Sawyer]

Steve,
    If you look to the left side of the parts photo above you will see the laser cut full length hardwood spars. Two of these will be preassembled into a box beam with landing gear mounting holes predrilled. The builder will only have to drill for the belcrank mounting. The opening ( as well as both fuselage sides) is cut to accomodate the belcrank with either the up wire to the front or rear - builders choice.

[sadams714441]

Bill
The spar looks great and easy to work with, One less thing to worry about.  As for the cut (Buyers choice) Front or rear not sure what that is? Front or rear.

[Bill Little]

Bill
The spar looks great and easy to work with, One less thing to worry about.  As for the cut (Buyers choice) Front or rear not sure what that is? Front or rear.

Steve,
I am pretty sure Bill S. is referring to whether you use the front or read lead out for the "up" line.  (reversed bellcrank or "normal")  It can make a difference on the cut outs in the fuselage sides since there is not a "large hole" for the wing in the sides.

[sadams714441]

Thanks Bill
Never built an I beam before wasnt sure what he meant

[john e. holliday]

Bill;

     This is the old DOC Holliday here.  Can you add me to the list also as I think that is one gorgeous airplane, even without color.  Also with laser cut parts it should be even easier and quicker to build I-Beam wing plane.  Thanks,  DOC Holliday

[sadams714441]

Any estimated time frame for kit cut?

[Bill Sawyer]

    Just a little progress report on the build. In the last picture the fuselage sides are ready to join. Construction has been slow as I am making the instruction package and parts for the kits as I go. Notice the assembled motor crutches which will be included in the kits. They are notched for metal motor pads which will be included.

[sadams714441]

Looks great, Cant wait to see the whole kit.  Make sure you have me on the list...

[Bill Sawyer]

At the heart of the Laser Locked Rib system is the box beam spar, and special shape leading and trailing edges. Here is a couple of pictures showing those items. Things are going slowly as I am producing the instruction package as well as jigs for producing parts.

[john e. holliday]

How long before I get my kit?  DOC Holliday