Vector Flaps

[Peter in Fairfax, VA]

My Vector ARF flaps are really warped and in need of replacement.  They are tapered.  Do I need to taper replacements similarly using a sanding block? 

If I understand correctly, the kit wood is 1/4" stock laser cut, but not tapered.  Do the kit plans call for tapering?

thanks,

Peter

[Carl Cisneros]

Peter;

I would venture a yes.
look at the Brodak site under CL planes and look at both the ARF and ARC offerings.

Carl

p.s. now on the mend from total shoulder replacement surgery 2 weeks ago.
they said I can start to drive again in a couple weeks. :-)
Man, I am tired of re-runs on TV.  LOL

[doug coursey]

My Vector ARF flaps are really warped and in need of replacement.  They are tapered.  Do I need to taper replacements similarly using a sanding block? 

If I understand correctly, the kit wood is 1/4" stock laser cut, but not tapered.  Do the kit plans call for tapering?

thanks,

Peter

I HAVE THE ARC MODEL AND THEY ARE TAPERED

[Carl Cisneros]

Peter;

Duh.............
I think you meant tapering frm leading edge to trailing edge.
Yes, I am still on my meds.  :-)

Carl C

[Gerald Arana]

My Vector ARF flaps are really warped and in need of replacement.  They are tapered.  Do I need to taper replacements similarly using a sanding block? 

If I understand correctly, the kit wood is 1/4" stock laser cut, but not tapered.  Do the kit plans call for tapering?

thanks

Peter; If I were you I'd make two sets of flaps , one set tapered and one not tapered with a square TE. (both removable)
Put the not tapered ones on and see if you can tell the difference, etc.

Good luck, Jerry

[Peter in Fairfax, VA]

Jerry,

You have a point.  There is some thinking that stunter flap TE should not be knife edged.  Also, that flap area should not be excessive.

Removable flaps are possible, though I have not attempted previously.  As I understand it, typical design is Klett/Du-Bro pin style hinges, but with a full flap music wire pin, as well as a hole for the flap horn that is strong, perhaps metal tubing in the flap to accept the horn wire.

Of course I want the plane to fly well.  At present, with the flaps warped about 15 degrees, the plane rolls when you hit it.

thanks,

Peter

[Peter in Fairfax, VA]

Carl,

If the TV re-runs are getting old, you could always arrange an Uber to the NVCL field for the StuntFest contest later this month.  Hopefully, the flying will be entertaining.

Peter

[Carl Cisneros]

Petr;

I am planning on coming out to our contest for sure.

Carl

[Fred Quedenfeld jr]

you should use a wood "plane" to carefully taper the flaps
If using a sanding block do a little on each side constantly flipping it over to make sure you are not creating a warp
getting a taper and keeping the flap straight require lots of patience
Fred Q

[jfv]

The flaps do not have to be tapered.  A 1/4 inch flat flap will work just fine, if not better.

[Ken Culbertson]

The flaps do not have to be tapered.  A 1/4 inch flat flap will work just fine, if not better.

True.  The Vector is a 70's design and everybody tapered their flaps back then so don't expect plans showing different.  I still taper mine but about 1/2 what I used to.  I put a 1/8" FF strip on the backside and taper to that.  Keeps the flap TE straight until the wood relaxes and finds it's "permanent" shape.  Most flap warping comes from tapering wood that is not 100% straight grained as you relieve internal pressure.  I also hollow out the center and fill with "X" pattern ribs but that is another story.  If the flap wood is good and not too heavy (another reason to taper) then leave them flat.  The plane will probably fly better.

Ken