Laser Locked Ribs

[Bill Sawyer]

I would like to announce a new system of producing kits. Using the accuracy of autocad and laser cutting a system of fitting the ribs to the spar on an I-beam style wing can produce a wing that can be built without the shaving of the spar to get a suitable gluing surface. check out the picture to see how it is done. The cad work is complete and a kit is in the works that uses this system.

[frank carlisle]

that looks like a real improvement.

[john e. holliday]

Are the ribs still being shortened at the aft end?  DOC Holliday

[Bill Sawyer]

The ribs are cut to length. They are to be installed without cutting.

[john e. holliday]

Okay, I re-read the post and can now see the different lengths of the ribs.  Now what kit are you going to produce?  After two I beam style planes I like the construction.  Of course I-beam is not too good for Monokote.  I believe that the silkspan and dope is what gives the strength.  --DOC Holliday

[Jim Pollock]

Doc,

Bill will be kitting the Playboy, is what I understand!

Jim Pollock     

[Bill Sawyer]

Jim, You are correct. The first kits are at the cutters now. These will be test built to see if any adjustments are needed. The fit of the parts is critical in several places. We may have to adjust for fit due to the width of the laser cuts. If the fits are correct, production should start in April.

[john e. holliday]

I want on the list for a kit.  DOC Holliday

[WhittleN]

Bill Sawyer

I don't know if I told you on the phone but the Playboy I have here in Utah was build with virtually the same method of laser cut "I-beam" ribs.  It works very well the, only difference on this Playboy is that I use capstrips on top of the laser cut ribs.  I will take a picture tonight and post it.

Norm Whittle